There are a plethora of companies gunning to cram your car with every
conceivable electronic gadget New ideas are necessary in the auto industry right
now March sales for General Motors (NYSE: GM ) Honda (NYSE: HMC ), Ford (NYSE:
F ) showed growth, but automakers can always use new toys to lure customers into
buying the big machine. Here are four companies whose technology is changing the
game. Google (NASDAQ: GOOG ) Its hard to judge at this point just how great of
an impact Google will ultimately have on the auto industry. Its not outside the
realm of possibility for the companys self-driving fleet of Toyota (NYSE: TM )
Priuses to actually become consumer products at some point. In 2011, though,
Google is making changes in the auto industry in the same way its changing the
mobile phone industry through software. Google is partnering with the
Department of Energy to make a definitive database of refueling stations for
hybrid and electric car owners. The GeoSVE database is, naturally, built on
Google Maps. With the Android operating system now making it into vehicles Saab
is testing the Android-based IQon in car entertainment and information system
right now Google will be telling us where to refuel our cars as they entertain
us in them before eventually just driving for us. Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) Apples
iPad isnt just altering the face of consumer computing technology. The ultimate
hipster device is also fundamental in how Volkswagen is updating the original
hippie machine. VW debuted the Bulli , an updated model of its famous
Microbus, at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and one of its key features is an
integrated iPad mounted on the dashboard. The tablet syncs with Bullis Bluetooth
and handles GPS navigation. It can even display content directly on the
speedometer screen a keen way to sell a goofy looking vehicle. Apples iPhone
has already been providing carmakers like Mercedes-Benz with a platform for
dedicated vehicle apps, now the tablets is doing its part. That said, do drivers
really need to be playing Angry Birds on the turnpike? HTC Though the companys
specific plans arent detailed just yet, a Thursday report at Engadget noted that
Taiwanese smartphone manufacture HTC is hiring an automotive business
development director. HTC is already in the on-board computer business its
Think+ onboard navigation and communication PC came equipped in Luxgen 7 MPV
cars back in 2009. Given the strong sales of the companys Android phones on
Verizons (NYSE: VZ ) network in the past 12 months, its likely that HTC is
developing a new on-board PC system that integrates with its mobile devices,
much in the same way as GMs MyLink system integrates smartphones with its many
lines of vehicles. Who will use HTCs system is the big question, however.
Leviton In fairness, Levitons latest gadget isnt something for inside the car so
much as the garage. The electric equipment company partnered with Ford earlier
this year to release a $1,500 charging station for that companys electric cars,
namely the hybrid Focus. The compact charging station is also smaller than other
home units and can just hang on the wall, provided its close to a 240-volt
outlet. Cheaper than other chargers and easy to pick up at retailers like Best
Buy (NYSE: BBY ), Levitons charging station is one more product out there making
an electric car seem somewhat more appealing to consumers. As of this writing,
Anthony John Agnello did not own a position in any of the stocks named here.
Follow him on Twitter at @ajohnagnello and become a fan of InvestorPlace
on Facebook.
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