Intel signed a strategic cooperation deal with Chinese automobile manufacturer Great Wall Motor Company Limited (GWM) to boost the development of automobile intelligence, both firms said in a release.
The strategic agreement was signed during the Auto Shanghai 2019 event.
Under the terms of the deal, both Intel and GWM will carry out cooperation in several areas, including intelligent cockpit and smart traffic as part of the companies’ efforts to pave the way for autonomous driving development.
Powered by Intel’s Apollo Lake system-on-chip (SoC) solution, GWM’s premium SUV brand WEY is expected to be the world’s first model that is outfitted with an Android 8.0 O-MR1-version-based, vehicle-mounted intelligent terminal.
“The collaboration with Intel will make GWM integrate innovation with technology better, thus promoting the development of automobile intelligence,” said Guo Songyan, deputy manager of GWM Technology Center.
Intel said that it is expanding its business into automobile and smart traffic domains. The chipmaker offers an automotive grade process specifically to address the in-vehicle experience called the Intel Atom processor A3900 series.
“These processors can power in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), digital instrument clusters, and advanced driver assistance systems (informational ADAS). With substantial compute in a low-power package, impressive graphics capabilities, and security features—all based on scalable Intel architecture—these processors allow automakers and suppliers to get cross-fleet solutions to market faster, with lower costs,” Intel said.
“The demand for IVI, navigation, rear-seat entertainment, and other connected car features is surging, though each new feature adds cost and complexity to the design and manufacturing process,” the company added. “As immersive connected features become a mandatory investment for a wider range of vehicle models, it’s critical for automakers and suppliers to manage costs for current and future implementations.”
In China, over 5 OEMs will mass-manufacture new models carrying the Apollo Lake solution during 2019 and 2020.