The ng Connect Program has extended it's initiative in Asia Pacific region with the launch of a new LTE Connected Car concept coincident with the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai. 

ng Connect Program members Alcatel-Lucent, QNX Software Systems Co. and Samsung, in collaboration with Harman International Industries Incorporated, developed the concept vehicle, which is based on a 2010 Shanghai Volkswagen Touran platform. 

To demonstrate the capabilities of next generation mobile networks, Alcatel-Lucent is deploying a live LTE network during the Shanghai World Expo and will be showing the LTE Connected Car as an example of how this technology is supporting a new class of vehicle-centric and travel-centric applications and services. The LTE Connected Car also demonstrates HD IPTV and HD video surveillance services. 

“Samsung is very pleased to contribute our industry-leading communications technology to the LTE Connected Car during the Shanghai World Expo,” stated Mingu Kim, vice president of R&D Team, Samsung. 

Alcatel-Lucent provided LTE radio and patent-pending antennae technology supporting the advanced in-vehicle communications and Samsung provided the in-vehicle end-user devices used to connect to the LTE network.

“It’s an honor to exhibit the latest LTE Connected Car solution concept during the 2010 World Expo where carriers, government and the industry will have an opportunity to take an in-depth look at the sophisticated capabilities made possible by next generation networks,” stated Steve West, vice president, Emerging Technology and Media, Alcatel-Lucent and founding member of the ng Connect Program. 

The ng Connect Program has 38 members worldwide now and has extended its presence in briefing centers and labs in the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Last month Alcatel-Lucent demonstrated the LTE Connected Car concept in the ‘Experience Canada’ pavilion at the International Media Center for the G-8 and G-20 Summits.