New Jaguar-Land Rover Technology Center
It is a passion at Jaguar-Land Rover (JLR) to develop the future, deliver a pilot-focused driving experience to exceed the expectations of their owners. Over the last couple years JLR has transformed their lineup. They now offer more models. Integrating new design theories for both brands and bridging the gap between sport and luxury using all-new chassis’ and drivelines which is the new foundation.
The next step envisioned by the Jaguar-Land Rover masterminds is a space age information/entertainment system which will be incorporated over the next couple years. Their mission is to keep JLR customers at the leading edge of infotainment. The idea behind this is to blend more consumer electronics into their motor vehicles. Their goals are for better security, enhanced safety, simple usability, easier connectivity, less distractions and more communication using an Open Source Platform. Matt Jones Director of Future Infotainment for JLR said by developing an infotainment system through an Open Source Platform JLR is capable of spending less time building the initial system and more time perfecting their custom platform, security and innovative app services.
In downtown Portland, Oregon Jaguar-Land Rover has two dedicated office labs working together building their prototype infotainment system. One of the labs is the Open Software Tech Center where right now 40 tech engineers are plugging away and another 40 are being hired who will be ready at the beck-n-call for JLR to code anything they need. While touring the JLR Tech Center I was privileged to see and test their safety simulator, software engineering lab, prototype garage and creativity center where the employees can rest or play pinball.
The most fascinating part of the new tech center in Portland was finding out JLR will be selecting three tech startup companies each six months to work with JLR at their offices. These tech startups will work directly with JLR to build their new brand and work their software into the JLR infotainment systems. The selected startups will receive investments, fully furnished office space and mentorship from industry pros at JLR. JLR PR reps mentioned most of the software startup applications have to do with parking apps but we all know George Costanza iToilet app will be integrated in no time. For more info on the Portland based JLR Tech Center go to their website https://www.jlrtechincubator.com.
