Intel connects to car tech with SanJet
"The way things are evolving, there is more and more technology getting into the car - the functionality and electronics components are increasing," says Sudheer Kuppam, Intel Capital's managing director for Asia Pacific.
That's clearly the case at the ongoing International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where nine automotive firms are showcasing some of these innovations, including Intel collaborators BMW and Infiniti.
In 2012, Intel expected automobiles to become among the top three fastest-growing market segments for connected devices and internet content. The $100 million Intel Capital Connected Car Fund was created with this in mind.It invests in hardware, software and services companies developing in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems that offer real-time information, voice recognition and in-car connectivity to mobile devices and the web, as well as sensors for advanced driver assistance systems.
The fund's investment in Taiwan's SanJet Technology will support in-vehicle applications of the company's video and wireless connectivity products. SanJet develops high resolution dashboard digital video recorders - meeting market needs such as image recognition algorithms of driver assistance systems for vehicle safety applications - as well as Wi-Fi communication, wide-angle with high resolution, and hands-free camera products.
The company has a R&D and operation center in Taiwan, with manufacturing facilities in Suzhou, China, and supplies a strong base of tier-one customers.
"What we have noticed is that especially in in-vehicle applications, Asia has taken a step ahead and started deploying digital video recorders or vehicle cams in cars. It's more prevalent in Asia than the US," says Kuppam.
While Intel Capital's Taiwan country director, Eric Sun, will join the company board, the VC unit will also introduce SanJet to another portfolio company, UIEvolution, so that they can collaborate on potential applications.
UIEvolution makes a suite of automotive products that connect drivers and the car to mobile applications and services. Its Auto Evolution in-vehicle cloud-based software system and UIEngine software platform are used by car manufacturers such as Toyota, Lexus, auto parts manufacturer Denso and entertainment systems maker Clarion. Intel Capital invested in the firm in December, as part of an $8 million round, alongside Shaw Ventures.
Intel is hoping to harness more than 2,500 tech solutions based on the latest processor technology. Its Atom processor powers energy-efficient IVI systems for manufacturers such as Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, HawTai Motor and Toyota, among others. Research firm In-Stat forecasts that more than 35 million IVI systems will ship in 2015.
The amount of silicon available is going to grow at a very healthy pace, says Kuppam, "and whoever is playing in that market is going to benefit from the underlying growth."
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