The Convergence Transportation Electronics Association
launched Convergence 2008
at Cobo Hall in Detroit, MI on Monday, drawing such global exhibitors as Bosch Automotive,
Infineon, Fujitsu, Texas
Instruments, Continental
Automotive, Freescale Semiconductor
and about 300 other companies.
The
conference and trade show, administered by the Society
of Automotive Engineers (SAE), is expected to draw between 6,000 and 7,000
attendees, many from among the automotive manufacturing facilities in the area
and from supplier companies around the world.
Originated
during the oil crisis of 1974, the conference initially focused almost
exclusively on using electronics to help address fuel economy issues. Over the
years, however, it has expanded its focus to include telematics, safety,
infotainment, body and chassis control and a host of other topics.
"The goal
has always been to create a platform for the automotive folks to talk to the
electronics companies," says Patti Kreh, business unit manager for engineering
meetings at SAE International. "That remains the same."
This year,
Convergence officials said "Vehicle Electronics Converging on Real
Customer Needs" would be the theme of the show. As such, many exhibitors and
presenters focused on the challenges of bringing handheld items - such as iPods
and cell phones - into the car.
Presentations
included a blue ribbon panel on the "Connected and Autonomous Vehicle," a
separate panel about the future of vehicle electronics and a Tuesday keynote
speech by Gene Kranz, a former NASA director of mission operations who worked
on the historic Apollo 13 flight and who authored the book "Failure Is Not An
Option."
The show and conference
runs from Monday, October 20 through Wednesday, October 22.
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