HDS and Clarion join forces

It is expected that by 2020, 50 billion devices – smart physical objects – will be connected to each other and to humans using the Internet. IDC estimates 42 percent of all data will come from machines in that same timeframe. Further, IHS projected that 152 million connected cars will be on the highway by 2020. Machine-to-machine (M2M) connections will play a key role in harnessing the power of the Internet of Things as it touches all industries. Analytics will play a critical role in the evolution of M2M because it allows humans to interpret machine behavior. The ability to analyze data in real time lets people make predictions better and faster. The result is that we begin to shift from descriptive and diagnostic insights that focus on the past and the present, to predictive analytics that help us anticipate and prepare for the probable future. This is one of the most enticing aspects of a maturing Internet of Things.

Together, Hitachi Data Systems and Clarion will further explore this data-driven side of in-vehicle connectivity to bring connected services to existing cars, trucks and fleets. This collaboration builds upon strengths of each company and aims to establish packaged solutions that obtain, correlate, and visualize onboard data (OBD) that will be available in nearly all automobiles.

The 2 companies expect to formulate new physical and virtual solutions that bring added value to both the consumer and the manufacturer by providing more intelligent and enhanced onboard equipment, and by fostering a closer relationship between the provider and the end user.

With a focus on safety, performance and value, Hitachi Data Systems and Clarion are looking at ways to innovate by correlating a variety of data streams to bring unique insights to the entire ecosystem. For example, with predictive maintenance, auto manufacturers will be able to gain insights such as key maintenance data points and the ability to predict wear over time. The outcome is lower costs of service and support, and increased driver satisfaction.

With enhanced infotainment and telematics services, drivers will be able to safely access new in-car services, such as weather and GPS data, to enable continued mobile connectivity even as models evolve. Ultimately these new M2M technologies and capabilities will enable connected cars to interact with their environments, sharing important information with and from connected cities.

The connected car initiative provides a variety of benefits to many participants in the automotive industry, including:
· Manufacturers: Performance and usage data.
· Underwriters: Risk management.
· Fleet Management: Utilization and usage.
· Heavy Industry: Fleet management and utilization.
· Consumers: Safety and high performance.