Traverse City, Mich., August 06, 2013 -- Vehicle manufacturers and suppliers across the globe are looking to put innovative functions in their vehicles to enhance the experience of owning and driving a vehicle. From drivers receiving real time traffic and navigation guidance, to passengers viewing movies via cloud based infotainment, to manufacturers keeping vehicle software updated over-the-air, to automated and driverless automobiles, the future vehicle will need to communicate with the outside world via seamless access to the Internet over wireless networks. Continental and Cisco will showcase a proof-of-concept connected vehicle at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars. 

This joint proof-of-concept connected vehicle is equipped with the highly secure and seamless network technology to meet the growing demands for connected vehicles.  Continental lays the foundation for added innovative automobile functions and benefits to passengers to make connectivity to the digital world outside a moving vehicle a highly secure, reliable and enjoyable experience. Cisco® enterprise-grade, seamless wireless network switching technology is highly secure and is designed to connect passengers to the right network based on their location on the road and their user preference.

Based on this initial proof of concept solution, Continental and Cisco are also planning to work together to develop innovative solutions that benefit from ubiquitous connectivity of moving vehicles.

High-speed and reliable network connectivity: As a vehicle moves it needs to prioritize the critical needs of drivers and passengers for network connectivity.  The Cisco on-board software solution can seamlessly switch between available 3G, 4G and other wireless networks based on cost and quality of service preferences.

Enhanced Security: The Cisco and Continental proof-of-concept car shows how auto manufactures can provide the same amount of network security that is available at home or in the office.  Cisco provides one highly secure software gateway that delivers Cisco's core networking capabilities and optimizes multiple communication links and mobility services to and from the vehicle. Security against cyber attacks will become more important as more connected functions are brought to vehicles.

Supporting Quotes 

• Elmar Degenhart, CEO, Continental: "At Continental we believe that the internet does not just come into the car, but that the car becomes a part of the internet. This opens up so many exciting opportunities for shaping the mobility of the future through innovation and creativity. We think the best way to unlock the opportunities of the connected vehicle is to look for collaborations, where we bring areas of expertise and allow breakthrough technology to be imagined, developed and brought to market."

• Guido Jouret, VP & general manager, Internet of Things group at Cisco: "We are now seeing a glimpse of how the combination of automotive and networking expertise can help overcome challenges in next generation connectivity and security. We look forward to working with the automobile industry to unlock the tremendous value of connecting cars to the Internet of Everything."

• Ralf Lenninger, head of innovation and strategy, Continental's Interior Division: "Connected vehicles are opening up a vast field of opportunities for services to make driving safer, more efficient and more comfortable. This is why we are looking at ways to connect the moving vehicle in a highly secure, fast and reliable way. By cooperating with Cisco, we can combine their expertise in software and network knowledge, with our knowhow in automotive hardware, embedded software and systems integration in order to create solutions for the connected vehicle of the future."

About Cisco 
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in IT that helps companies seize the opportunities of tomorrow by proving that amazing things can happen when you connect the previously unconnected. For ongoing news, please go to http://thenetwork.cisco.com. To learn more about the Cisco Connected Car, please visit: www.cisco.com/go/connectedcar

About Continental

With sales of €32.7 billion in 2012, Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires, and technical elastomers, Continental contributes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also an expert partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently has approximately 173,000 employees in 46 countries.