Lear Beefs Up Telematics Capabilities with Acquisition

Lear Corp. has purchased the intellectual property and technology of Autonet Mobile Inc., a Santa Rosa, Calif.-based developer of software and telematics applications. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

Lear says Autonet's technologies complement its own expertise in embedded vehicle electrical distribution systems and provides growth opportunities for the company's electrical business. Founded in 2005, Autonet's technology connects in-vehicle systems with cloud-based applications including gateway modules and automated, real-time software updates using proprietary data exchange over cellular networks.

As part of the deal, Lear hired several members of Autonet's software and product development team.

Autonet will continue to operate and offer products to the automotive aftermarket through a technology license from Lear. The company says the acquisition will allow it to focus on emerging automotive connectivity technologies, such as vehicle- and dealer-to-consumer communications.