In connected car news are SoundHound AI, LG Innotek, ISS, AeroVironment, Arasan, Fescaro, HAAS Alert, proteanTecs, Dream Chip Technologies, Toyoda Gosei, UC San Diego, UltraSense, Mankiewicz, Toshiba, Guident and Indra.
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SoundHound AI Generative AI Assistant in European Jeeps
SoundHound AI has rolled out its advanced voice assistant, SoundHound Chat AI Automotive, in select Jeep models across European markets. Powered by integrated generative AI, the system enables highly natural and conversational interactions, allowing drivers and passengers to control in-vehicle functions, plan trips, access information, and even engage in interactive activities like quizzes or storytelling—all through intuitive voice commands.
The platform leverages contextual understanding to handle follow-up questions seamlessly and integrates with external knowledge sources alongside vehicle controls. This collaboration with Stellantis aims to redefine in-car connectivity and convenience, providing a smarter, safer, and more dynamic driving experience while highlighting the growing potential for in-vehicle voice commerce.
LG Innotek Debuts Next-Generation Digital Car Key
LG Innotek has unveiled its Next-generation Digital Key Solution, positioning it as a flagship innovation within its automotive connectivity portfolio. The digital key allows drivers to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles using only a smartphone, eliminating the risk of losing physical keys and reducing theft potential. With global demand for digital car keys expected to rise from $431 million in 2025 to $2.37 billion by 2030, LG Innotek aims to lead this rapidly growing market by combining advanced wireless communication technology with user-friendly features tailored for car sharing and rentals.
First developed in 2017 and refined through multiple iterations, the new solution integrates functions such as automatic door unlocking when a user approaches within five meters, personalized “welcome” signals like flashing lights or unfolding mirrors, and hands-free trunk access via a foot-activated sensor. Importantly, the system addresses challenges of smartphone recognition when devices are kept in pockets or bags, ensuring consistent performance. Executives say this innovation enhances both safety and convenience while supporting LG Innotek’s strategy to grow its vehicle communication components business toward $1.08 billion in annual revenue by 2030.
ISS & AeroVironment Launch V2X Platform
INTEGRITY Security Services (ISS) has partnered with AeroVironment (AV) to enhance connected vehicle technology through the integration of TrafficAuth-SCMSclient libraries into AV’s Low-latency Intelligent Network Exchange (LINX) platform. This collaboration aims to deliver a highly secure, scalable Network Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) system that improves safety, mobility, and energy efficiency by enabling real-time data exchange between vehicles and surrounding infrastructure—without relying on complex 5G multi-access edge computing.
The platform incorporates digital signatures, standards-based cellular/UU V2X interoperability, and validation via ISS-issued security certificates to ensure message authenticity and compliance with IEEE 1609.2 and U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) requirements. According to AV’s Director of Transportation and Sustainment Engineering, the combined technologies enable one of the most secure smart mobility solutions available today.
Both companies will showcase this advancement at the ITS World Congress in Atlanta from August 24–28, 2025, where they will highlight their joint efforts to expand a trusted ecosystem of connected vehicles and devices.
Arasan ISO26262 ASIL-B Certified MIPI DSI-2 Rx Controller
Arasan Chip Systems announced the release of its ISO26262 ASIL-B certified MIPI DSI-2 Rx Controller, designed for mobile and automotive System-on-Chips (SoCs). This certification ensures compliance with stringent automotive safety standards, extending the controller’s applicability to defense, aerospace, and other industries requiring failsafe operations.
The new controller is part of Arasan’s Total Display IP Solution, which includes VESA DSC Encoder/Decoder IP, DSI Tx & Rx IP for both low-resolution wearable displays and high-resolution applications, and integration with MIPI D-PHY or C/D-PHY Combo IP. Arasan also provides ultra-low power D-PHY IP targeting wearables, alongside ASIL-C certified CAN, CAN FD, CAN XP, LIN, and Ethernet IP cores for automotive systems.
A demonstration of the certified MIPI DSI-2 IP integrated with Arasan’s C/D-PHY Combo ASIC is available for viewing on a MIPI Compliance Tester.
Fescaro Joins Auto-ISAC
South Korean mobility software provider Fescaro has signed an Innovator Partnership with Auto-ISAC, a global automotive cybersecurity organization dedicated to sharing industry intelligence and coordinating responses to cyber threats. The Innovator Partnership, the highest level of membership, includes major automakers such as General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, Toyota, and Hyundai, as well as U.S. government stakeholders.
Fescaro delivers an integrated security platform designed to support software-defined vehicles and ensure cyber resilience across their lifecycle. With this partnership, the company aims to deepen strategic collaboration and bolster the industry’s collective cybersecurity capabilities.
ISS & HAAS Alert Hybrid V2X Interoperability
INTEGRITY Security Services (ISS) has partnered with HAAS Alert to demonstrate secure interoperability between Network V2X (cellular-based) and Direct V2X communications, paving the way for a hybrid V2X model that enhances real-time roadway alerts. HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud® platform, already integrated into millions of vehicles and navigation apps such as Waze and Apple Maps, delivers authenticated digital alerts from first responders and roadway operators to reduce collisions and improve emergency response times.
By integrating ISS’s SCMS technology, the collaboration ensures that Safety Cloud messages are SCMS-compliant, compatible with existing IEEE 1609.2 V2X systems, and securely authenticated end-to-end without relying on proprietary carrier infrastructure. The joint solution will be showcased at the ITS World Congress in Atlanta, underscoring its role in building a more comprehensive and scalable road safety ecosystem.
proteanTecs & Dream Chip Technologies Imaging
proteanTecs and Dream Chip Technologies have announced a strategic collaboration to deliver next-generation imaging solutions for automotive, aerospace, industrial, and robotics applications. By combining proteanTecs’ continuous chip telemetry and predictive monitoring with Dream Chip’s modular, ISO 26262-compliant Image Signal Processor (ISP) architecture, the partnership aims to enhance functional safety, system reliability, and real-world performance in high-performance, scalable SoC designs.
The joint solution integrates on-chip monitors into Dream Chip’s SoC platform, enabling real-time, workload-aware predictive insights that optimize power and performance while providing early warning signals for emerging issues. This collaboration positions both companies to support advanced ADAS and autonomous driving systems, offering improved robustness, efficiency, and mission-critical safety for complex imaging applications.
Toyoda Gosei Intros METEOCOAT
Toyoda Gosei has developed METEOCOAT, a decorative coating that adds uneven, textured surfaces to plastic exterior parts, offering enhanced durability and visual appeal. Designed to hide scratches and withstand rough use, METEOCOAT is especially suited for off-road vehicles. The texture is achieved by adjusting paint viscosity and is available in multiple protrusion sizes and color variations.
The company plans to offer METEOCOAT as a customization option for vehicle buyers seeking a distinctive look. The technology was showcased on a Toyota Customizing & Development Asia vehicle that competed in the 2025 Asia Cross Country Rally in Thailand, demonstrating both its aesthetic and functional benefits in demanding conditions.
UC San Diego: Blended Coaching Key to Safer Commercial Driving
A new study from UC San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering and Design Lab, supported by Lytx®, reveals that a hybrid approach combining manager-led feedback, AI-powered tools, self-directed learning, and structured recognition is most effective for improving fleet safety. The report, Evaluating and Optimizing Coaching Methodologies for Fleet Safety and Performance, shows that manager-led coaching drives a 24% improvement in driving behavior compared to passive methods and that even a single 10-minute self-review session can cut hazardous incidents by half.
Researchers emphasize that while personalized coaching remains the cornerstone of lasting behavior change, its impact is magnified when paired with automated alerts and scalable AI-driven coaching systems. However, the study warns against overreliance on positive recognition, particularly for high-risk drivers, as excessive praise may harm safety outcomes. Recommendations include regular brief face-to-face sessions, adaptable coaching for both new and experienced drivers, and AI systems to personalize interventions.
UltraSense & Mankiewicz Deliver Next-Gen Smart Surfaces
UltraSense Systems, a Tier 2 HMI specialist, and Mankiewicz, a leader in high-performance coatings, have joined forces to create seamless smart surface solutions that replace traditional buttons and switches with hidden-until-lit ShyTech® interfaces. This collaboration merges UltraSense’s integrated HMI controllers with Mankiewicz’s INSIGHT ShyTech coatings to deliver sleek, cost-effective, and highly functional designs for both automotive interiors and exteriors.
The partnership addresses growing demand for minimalist, technology-forward vehicle cabins by offering automakers a turnkey approach that enhances user experience, reduces system complexity, and simplifies manufacturing. UltraSense’s ultrasound-powered platforms integrate touch, force, haptics, and lighting feedback into any surface—from leather to aluminum—while Mankiewicz’s coatings make controls visible only when needed. Together, the companies aim to help OEMs modernize cabins with premium, intuitive, and future-ready smart surfaces.
Toshiba Third-Generation 650V SiC MOSFETs
Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation has unveiled three new 650V silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs—TW027U65C, TW048U65C, and TW083U65C—featuring its latest third-generation SiC chips in space-saving surface-mount TOLL packages. These MOSFETs are designed for high-efficiency industrial equipment, including switched-mode power supplies, photovoltaic inverters, EV charging stations, and uninterruptible power supplies.
The new TOLL package reduces device volume by over 80% compared to traditional through-hole TO-247 packages, while minimizing parasitic impedance to lower switching losses. Its four-terminal Kelvin connection enables high-speed switching with reduced source inductance effects. For example, the TW048U65C demonstrates approximately 55% lower turn-on loss and 25% lower turn-off loss than Toshiba’s previous MOSFETs, improving overall equipment power efficiency.
Toshiba plans to continue expanding its third-generation SiC MOSFET lineup to enhance equipment power density and efficiency. The devices are immediately available for volume shipment, supporting applications across data centers, communications equipment, EV infrastructure, and renewable energy systems.
Guident ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification
Guident, a leading provider of teleoperation and remote monitoring solutions for autonomous vehicles and devices, has earned ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, the internationally recognized benchmark for information security management. This certification validates that Guident has established a comprehensive Information Security Management System (ISMS) to protect critical assets, technologies, and operational processes across the organization.
Executives highlighted that integrating the standard enables structured risk management, vulnerability mitigation, and incident response, moving beyond ad-hoc security measures to a robust system of record. The certification strengthens trust with clients and partners by ensuring information is handled under globally accepted security controls, while supporting regulatory compliance and operational resilience. Guident plans to maintain and enhance its ISMS through ongoing audits, management reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives to address evolving cybersecurity threats.
Indra Launches U.S. C-V2X Tolling System on I-485 Express Lanes
Indra will deploy its connected vehicle tolling solution (C-V2X Toll) on the I-485 Express Lanes in North Carolina, making it the first U.S. highway to adopt this technology. The system allows vehicles with V2X capabilities to receive tolling information directly via in-car systems, eliminating the need for mobile apps or external devices. Selected by the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, the project aims to improve toll interoperability, streamline payments, and enhance the driver experience across regions.
Beyond tolling, the initiative will integrate Indra’s 3D LiDAR and C-V2X infrastructure to improve roadway safety by detecting and broadcasting critical traffic events in real time. Indra has already tested the technology with Audi and Qualcomm and currently operates similar overhead open road tolling systems on multiple Virginia express lanes. The C-V2X Toll system will be showcased at the ITS World Congress in Atlanta as part of Indra’s ongoing efforts to modernize U.S. highway mobility.