Airbiquity and Hitachi provides the infrastructure for Nissan?s Information and Communication Technology

Airbiquity Inc. and Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. announced the first commercial implementation of the companies’ connected services platform for Electric Vehicles (EVs), now available in the Nissan LEAF.

The jointly-developed solution provides the infrastructure for Nissan’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Nissan LEAF. With the ICT system, Nissan LEAF owners are connected at all times to the data and information they need to optimize their EV experience. Nissan LEAF owners and drivers will be able to track battery charging and use, and activate remote services and locate charging stations, among other essential EV activities. The system can be accessed in the vehicle, by a dedicated website for Nissan LEAF owners, via mobile phones, and smartphones, to manage energy usage.

Today’s announcement demonstrates both the realization of the partnership to meet growing global EV programs, and the unique and compelling capabilities of the partnership’s connected vehicle service portfolio.

“Airbiquity is proud to be an essential supplier selected to contribute to the Nissan LEAF’s sophisticated IT system,” said Kamyar Moinzadeh, president and CEO for Airbiquity. “The Nissan LEAF is a critical first step in establishing the era of zero-emission mobility. Working with Hitachi Automotive Systems, we have enabled state-of-the-art connectivity features that will play a vital role in global transportation for decades to come.”

“Hitachi Automotive Systems is committed to providing its customers with intelligent, advanced connectivity solutions,” said Masamori Kashiyama, general manager of the Next-Generation Telematics Center of Hitachi Automotive Systems’ CIS Division. “Working with Airbiquity, our joint solution enables Nissan to offer LEAF connectivity on a global scale, advancing the company’s eco-friendly technologies that both increase efficiency and reduce emissions.”

The Nissan LEAF with lithium ion batteries is available for purchase in Japan and the U.S., and is scheduled for availability in Europe and Canada in 2011.

Airbiquity is at the forefront of change in the automotive industry, integrating advances in software, communications technology and wireless services with vehicles. Its connected vehicle solutions offer automakers a flexible platform for delivering innovative applications and services that help automobiles adapt to the driver’s digital lifestyle.

Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company is engaged in the development, manufacture, sales and services of automotive components, transportation related components, industrial machines and systems, etc. and offers a wide range of automotive systems including engine management systems, electric power train systems, drive control systems and car information systems.

www.hitachi-automotive.co.jp/en/

www.airbiquity.com