IBM and Auto Industry Are Creating the Connected Car

by Darryl K. Taft

PSA Peugeot Citroen and IBM are working together to integrate the massive amounts of data from cars, phones, traffic signals, lights and other sources, and analyze it in real-time to deliver on the promise of the connected vehicle. PSA Peugeot Citroen’s expertise in the auto industry, combined with IBM’s solutions in big data and analytics, will enable the French manufacturer to offer a range of “connected services” to customers, allowing them to use numerous access channels such as Websites, vehicles data, customer service or mobile apps.

IBM big data and analytics software enables BMW to gather and analyze data across its global warranty, diagnostics and repair units to improve internal production and service processes and prepare vehicles without delay. What used to take months now takes days, allowing vulnerabilities to be detected and corrected quickly. BMW can also analyze available data sources to discover patterns and anomalies to predict and anticipate maintenance needs, and issue repair instructions on a timely basis, reducing the number of workshop visits and speeding repair times.

Sprint Velocity is using IBM software to give its connected car platform greater speed while using less bandwidth. With the enhancement of the Sprint Velocity Service Bus, preferences such as seat position, cabin temperature and radio stations are stored in the cloud, and are updated and synced via the driver’s smartphone every time the car is turned on. As part of this collaboration, Sprint becomes the first mobile carrier to use IBM MessageSight, an appliance designed to help organizations manage and communicate with the billions of mobile devices and sensors found in systems such as automobiles, traffic management systems, smart buildings and household appliances.

IBM and automotive supplier Continental Automotive Group are designing a cloud-enabled mobility platform that helps auto manufacturers more easily develop connected vehicles and integrate mobile services for in-vehicle safety, infotainment, personalization and traffic management. The new platform is designed to make it easier for car makers to create services with mobile in mind.

One of the primary roadblocks to using electric vehicles (EVs) for traveling long distances is the difference in utility providers across regions. IBM is working to simplify EV charging and payments across Europe through a partnership with Green eMotion. The collaboration will create a network of charging stations on a common IT platform, supporting various energy providers and car manufacturers and making it easier for EV drivers to recharge on their travels without worrying about currency conversion or journeying too far from home.

Ford recognized that customers are looking for more ways to connect their mobile devices to their cars and turned to IBM for help. Ford deployed the IBM Worklight application platform to access valuable customer data that helps in developing the right mobile solutions for particular functional needs. This helps Ford better understand customers and be more responsive and proactive when ensuring their satisfaction.

Yarra Trams, operator of Melbourne, Australia’s tram network, is using IBM big data and analytics software to improve tram operations and passenger experience. The software enables Yarra Trams to draw insights from the volumes of data across its trams and infrastructure to better understand how the tram network is running. These new insights are helping Yarra Trams increase the efficiency of their network, perform predictive maintenance and offer passengers a better, more reliable tram service.

IBM, with Fiat, Chrysler and CNH Industrial, signed a multiyear agreement to manage the IT infrastructure and services that support the day-to-day operations and locations, while enabling new opportunities for innovation, for the three organizations worldwide. “The extension of our partnership with IBM … [allows] us to share and leverage, not only technology resources but also global skills and industry knowledge in key areas such as sustainability, with Fiat and now Chrysler,” Stefano Firenze, head of ICT Infrastructure and Service Delivery acting as co-CIO for CNH Industrial, said in a statement.