Car manufacturer Daimler (OTCMKTS: DDAIY) just announced a deal with mobile technology company Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) to explore wireless mobile phone recharging in cars, as well as recharging electric vehicles without cables.
Qualcomm and Daimler exploring wireless mobile tech and electric car charging
The partnership is part of a push by Daimler, which is owned by Mercedes-Benz, as well as rivals BMW and Audio, to build their experience in software and telecommunications to boost their status as high tech carmakers, in an era where stricter emissions rules force them to use smaller engines.
In a joint statement, Qualcomm and Daimler said they would assess wireless technology to charge their electric vehicles and hybrids without having to plug them in.
The two companies are also looking at technologies that will enable users to wirelessly charge devices like mobile phones whilst in the car, as well as ways to enhance the in-car experience using 3G and 4G networks.
“It’s important that we remain on the cutting edge of technology and continue to deliver unparalleled experiences to our customers”, said Daimler’s board member for research and development, Thomas Weber.
“With this in mind, we are eager to jointly explore possible fields of future cooperation with an internationally leading tech firm like Qualcomm”, Weber said.
Germany’s luxury car makers are currently aiming to improve their technology expertise, and are even said to be looking at buying Nokia’s mapping division HERE.
SOURCE: Reuters
Larry Banks is a keen follower of technology and finance. He has worked for a variety of online publications, writing about a diverse range of topics including mobile networks, patents, and Internet video delivery technologies.