Qualcomm teams up with Daimler on connected car

Qualcomm Technologies (NASDAQ: QCOM) and Daimler AG are collaborating on technology focused on the connected car, including in-car wireless charging.

In the first phase of the collaboration, the companies say they will focus on transforming future vehicles with mobile technologies that enhance in-car experiences and vehicle performance such as 3G/4G connectivity, wireless charging technology for in-vehicle use and implementation of the Qualcomm Halo Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging (WEVC) technology.

The Qualcomm Halo WEVC technology provides the type of performance and power in a small vehicle package that could allow Daimler customers to charge their electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid EVs without having to plug them in. In addition, Qualcomm WiPower technology enables consumer electronics to charge wirelessly in the vehicle.

"It's important that we remain on the cutting edge of technology and continue to deliver unparalleled experiences to our customers," said Thomas Weber, member of the board of management of Daimler responsible for group research and Mercedes-Benz cars development, in a release. "With this in mind, we are eager to jointly explore possible fields of future cooperation with an internationally leading tech firm like Qualcomm."

Qualcomm says it is helping the automotive industry create an entirely new landscape for communication, convenience, energy efficiency, infotainment and safety through its Qualcomm Snapdragon Automotive Solutions, while Daimler has a history of producing vehicles that embody these concepts.

Together, the companies intend to combine automotive expertise to advance the connected car industry by delivering future intelligently connected vehicles that drive emission-free.

Qualcomm Technologies recently entered a multiyear agreement with the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team to become an official technology partner, where the two companies will focus on improving overall race speed and vehicle reliability, as well as operational and power efficiencies. Qualcomm says it is involved in more than 40 initiatives with automakers and suppliers to develop new technologies for improved connectivity, safety, navigation, infotainment and Qualcomm Halo technology for wireless electric vehicle charging.

On another front, Qualcomm Technologies has been involved in events like the Indy 500, where Verizon Wireless (NYSE: VZ) has demonstrated how LTE Multicast technology can deliver a live broadcast of  the race, as well as incorporate in-car footage and footage from cameras installed around the track.

For more:
- see FierceWireless:Europe's take
- see this release

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