RE: The Viktor is Safestocks19 Feb 2019 19:47
In light of today’s news it is Also interesting to reread this October post from Redeye
On the conference call Aptiv said the following about the new compute platform:
"Our success of developing and commercializing high-speed central compute platforms are a significant competitive advantage, enabling more automated and connected vehicle content. Our earlier wins in active safety and infotainment are now being broadened to include the body, chassis and powertrain domains. During the third quarter, we booked a high-profile compute platform with Porsche and Audi, representing another industry first for Aptiv and our third area of vehicle domain centralization with the VW Group. We're providing automotive OEs with a highly complex hardware and software architecture, including the functional safety components necessary to combine the body, chassis and powertrain controls across multiple vehicle types and powertrain configurations. In short, this new business award from Porsche and Audi validates our approach to domain centralization and the evolution to smart vehicle architecture, which is unique in the industry and is helping us win in the marketplace."
We are not sure but it could perhaps be related the next generation of the central driver assistance controller, the so called ZFas. As we understand it, the driver monitoring technology of Audi is integrated in ZFas and we find it likely that this could be the case for the next generation as well. It what would be the case it would be positive as it might indicate that Audi could go for a similar DMS as in the previous version.
Thus, the stakes are getting higher and we are getting closer to contracts for the tier-2 players like Smart Eye, as well. As we have previously reported, Aptiv has won a DMS contract from Fiat Chrysler and now it seems that possibly Porsche and Audi could be added to Aptiv’s list. Aptiv looks very strong and we believe that Aptiv’s chosen tier-2 partner therefore has a good chance of becoming the market leader. We not yet found any link from Aptiv to Seeing Machines which kind of narrows it down. However, we will continue to research this matter. Additional Audi wins for Smart Eye is already discounted in our valuation but it would still be a significant catalyst for the share price.