Chevrolet at TechCrunch Disrupt to Develop the Future

Developers to help build the future of in-vehicle connectivity with Chevrolet’s API

2013-09-04

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SAN FRANCISCO – Chevrolet will demonstrate its future app framework that allows developers to create the automotive apps of the future at TechCrunch Disrupt San Francisco September 7-11.

The flexible application framework, announced at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, will allow drivers to add apps and features to their vehicles after the initial purchase, allowing vehicle infotainment systems to improve over time. This framework will be demonstrated at the event in concept form on the 2014 ChevroletCorvette Stingray and Impala.

In addition to the app framework displays, Chevrolet will participate in a Hackathon, where developers will have 24 hours to use the API to develop an app.   After the all-nighter, each team will present its solution to a panel of expert judges and audience members. The winners go on to present their product on the Disrupt stage. Two teams of developers behind the best ideas of the day using a Chevrolet API will win $2,500 each.

App ideas that could appear in a Chevrolet vehicle someday are being developed at a steady rate. Since January, more than 2,700 developers have registered on the portal, choosing to engage in a test environment with either Chevrolet’s Remote or In-vehicle application program interfaces, known as APIs.

“We come to events like TechCrunch Disrupt to get the world’s best developers to think about Chevrolet vehicles as the ultimate mobile device,” said Nick Pudar, GM director, developer ecosystems, Global Connected Consumer. “We’re developing connected vehicles but we know that the best ideas may come from outside the company.”

With Chevrolet’s Remote APIs, developers can use simulated OnStar connectivity to develop apps that interact with the vehicle remotely, either from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Chevrolet’s in-vehicle APIs allow developers to use simulated vehicle information, such as location data or vehicle diagnostics, to create apps that would be incorporated into the vehicle’s infotainment system and would be available to download through a Chevrolet AppShop that is being developed.

The Chevrolet AppShop would be built into the infotainment system and would allow customers to select from various approved apps they want. Drivers would be able to personalize their vehicle, similar to smartphone personalization. The infotainment system would be able to change over time as drivers’ needs change and as new apps become available. Chevrolet has not confirmed specific timing or first vehicles to get the new AppShop.

Chevrolet has demonstrated the ability to advance car connectivity by being the first vehicle manufacturer to offer select iPhone users Siri Eyes Free as well as offering 4G LTE integration on select future vehicles.