Visteon Cockpit Tech Debuts in Mercedes A-Class

Visteon Corp. is introducing its SmartCore cockpit domain controller in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class small car currently being launched in global markets.

The technology, which is touted as an industry first, allows a single system-on-a-chip control unit to manage multiple cockpit systems and other in-vehicle electronic devices. Visteon says the integrated system cuts costs and improves efficiency and cybersecurity.

In the A-Class, SmartCore can power either a pair of 7-inch displays or a 7-inch instrument panel display and a 10.25-inch infotainment unit. Visteon says the system is safeguarded to allow the displays to run on separate operating systems—Linux and ASIL-B—through an integrated controller without interfering with each other.

Users can control the displays via touchscreens, a center console touch pad or steering wheel buttons. The reconfigurable displays also allow smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system embeds tuner, multimedia and connectivity options, such as Bluetooth, USB, wi-fi and hands-free phone applications.

The supplier says several other carmakers—including China’s Geely Auto Group—will launch SmartCore applications over the next two years. Visteon produces the system in Portugal.