Automotive innovation again steals the show

Innovative breakthroughs in automotive technologies again hogged the limelight at the CES Asia 2017 – after being one of the highlights in 2016.

“CES Asia attracts market leaders from the entire tech ecosystem, from drones and fashion, to sports and cars, to VR and AR, to machine learning to connectivity and, of course, self-driving cars. The packed show floor was abuzz with ‘smarter everything’, reflecting an era where technology is changing our world for the better. If it was tech innovation in Asia, it was represented on the show floor and in our conference sessions here this week,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), which owns CES Asia.

The third annual CES Asia surpassed the 2016 show in attendance and exhibit space, reinforcing the event as the premier showcase for the consumer technology industry in the Eastern Hemisphere. Since its launch in 2015, CES Asia has doubled in size as more than 450 exhibiting companies from 22 countries, regions and territories exhibited across a show floor

 that covered a record 40,000 gross square meters, expanding from four exhibit halls in 2016 to five in 2017.

Hosted from June 7- 9 in at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) in Shanghai, China, CES Asia is produced by CTA in partnership with Shanghai Intex Exhibition Company. “The growth we’ve seen with this event is indicative of the rapidly growing Asian market and involvement of multiple technology industries debuting ground-breaking innovations, cementing our growing reputation as the premier event for consumer technology in the Asian marketplace,” said Karen Chupka, CTA’s senior vice president, CES and corporate business strategy, in a press statement. CES Asia featured three days of conferences, with highly sought after industry experts from around the globe providing insights into the latest industry trends and innovations.

Automotive Industries (AI) asked John T. Kelley, Senior Director, Inter­national Programs & Show Director CES Asia, what was the main focus of the 2017 CES Asia tradeshow.

Kelley: Startups were a key focus at CES Asia 2017. Startup Park returned for the second year, featuring innovative new companies from mainland China, Poland, South Korea, Taiwan and the U.S. This dynamic exhibit area provided entrepreneurs the opportunity to tout cutting-edge innovation to the Asian market, pitch investors, earn global media coverage and form cross-industry partnerships. AI: What was the level of participation from the automotive industry?

Kelley: Automotive technology was out in full force at CES Asia. The automotive and technology industries now go hand-in-hand, with technology making cars safer, more efficient and more enjoyable to drive. Vehicle OEMs represented included BMW, Honda, Hyundai, NEVS, OnStar and Volvo. They were supported by companies representing the full supply chain, including including, Continental, NavInfo and Pioneer.

AI: Why is the event so important for the fast-growing Asian automotive sector?

Kelley: The global automotive industry is soaring and the Asian auto market is contributing to this growth. Technology is playing a major factor in the success of the automotive market. In fact, according to CTA research, factory-installed technologies – ranging from entertainment systems to driver-assist features – make up an estimated 50% of the collective value in new vehicles, up from about 25% just 10 years ago.

AI then asked Karen Chupka, senior vice-president, CES and corporate business strategy for CTA, how the event has helped showcase the full breadth and depth of the innovation value chain in the Asian market-place.

Chupka: Unlike other shows in the Asian market, CES Asia is not a traditional buyer/seller tradeshow. It is the place where companies can brand and launch their new products and services. Attendees can experience the innovation and interact with thought leaders from an array of industries. With an emphasis on attracting media and industry influencers, CES Asia is the ideal place for these companies seeking to grow and reinforce their brand in the Asian market and get exposure to more than 1,100 global media.

AI: What automotive innovations are particularly important today?

Chupka: Cars have evolved from a simple way to transport people from place to place into a home, office and entertainment hub on-the-go. Connected car advancements now provide real-time information for drivers, allowing them to access information pertaining to road closures and traffic, making their trips safer and more efficient. Through vehicle technologies, traffic is now being reduced in major metropolitan areas around the world, cutting down on carbon monoxide and improving air quality. The road to the future of vehicle technology is endless, as automotive advancements, along with smart city planning and infrastructure, combine to improve driver safety, road efficiency and sustainability. We are well on our way on the path to fully self-driving vehicles. That progress – and the promise and benefits of self-driving vehicles – were on full display at CES Asia 2017.

New automotive products launched at CES Asia

• BMW’s HoloActive Touch, part of BMW’s i Inside Future solution, which adds a new dimension to how drivers can select and control vehicle functions, navigation, infotainment and communication
• Harman’s Sonique, a voice solution that features a customizable, high-performance microphone and a suite of voice algorithms to accurately capture voice commands, even in high ambient noise environments
• Honda’s latest prototypes, “Honda NeuV”, an electric, automated car and “Honda Riding Assist”, a solution that helps motorcycles maintain balance and control
• Hyundai Motor’s partnership with one of the largest Internet companies in China, Baidu, to provide Chinese drivers a wider range of connected car services, including connected navigation and voice-control technologies
• NEVS’ InMotion Concept, an integrated vehicle solution for sustainable city living, which will be used in Tianjin in late 2017, as part of NEVs’ sustainable mobility program
• Mercedes-Benz unveiled its “Fit and Healthy” vehicle new AMG GT concept car which incorporates principles of Chinese health and wellness.