Electric Vehicles and In-Vehicle Technology Gain Speed at the 2011 International CES

Electric vehicles are quickly gaining popularity among consumers seeking to live more sustainably by using alternative transportation. According to CEA Market Research, 40 percent of consumers are likely to test drive an electric vehicle and name positive environmental impact and potential cost savings as reasons for doing so. The new Electric Vehicle TechZone will occupy 3,500 square feet of dedicated exhibit space in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

“Major automotive exhibitors like Audi, Ford, GM OnStar and Toyota will be at CES to share their latest automotive electronics innovations,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “CES is the place to be for in-vehicle electronics, including both vehicle OEMs and the aftermarket. Telematics and consumer-centric apps will enable a host of in-vehicle services. Industry professionals interested in the latest in-vehicle technology trends for 2011 and beyond can see it all at the 2011 CES.”

The 2011 CES keynote line-up, this year, will feature two powerhouse automotive companies. Audi Chairman, Rupert Stadler is slated to speak at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 6 and Ford President and CEO, Alan Mulally will return to the keynote stage for his third consecutive year at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 7.

With increased public focus on distracted driving, the Safe Driver TechZone will again be on the CES show floor in 2011. This dedicated area will focus on technologies that assist in auto collision avoidance, lane drift assistance, parking, speed monitoring, hands-free, text-to-voice, driver drowsiness detection and more.

Internet connectivity, voice recognition and vehicle applications are all major in-vehicle trends at the 2011 CES. The Location Based Services TechZone is also returning to the show floor as the premier location for providers of custom technologies, services and advertising sent to portable and in-car navigation devices based on current location.

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $165 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services.

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