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With the recent introduction of Scout for AppLink, which integrates the popular smartphone navigation app with voice and vehicle controls through the Ford SYNC AppLink platform, drivers now have access to the app's full suite of features in a safe, responsible manner. For example, directions are audible through the vehicle's speakers and turn-by-turn prompts are displayed on the radio display. The road-worthy functions, available to drivers when their smartphone is paired to AppLink, includes access to features such as location-based searches for the lowest gas prices and other points of interest such as restaurants, saving and sharing favorites, and getting live traffic updates for a safe and smart commute. Scout for AppLink will be on display at the Showcase and throughout the run of the show for public days in a 2013 Ford Mustang, so attendees can experience for themselves how the app integrates with the vehicle.

Livio Connect

The connected car means many things, including the ability to bring advanced entertainment solutions into vehicles. Thanks to the integration of 3G/4G mobile networks, a driver's access to rich media ranging from movies for the rear seat to multiple streaming music services is almost limitless. Some of the most exciting applications are radio and music apps, which provide drivers greater listening choices. Livio is a new and important mover in this space, underscored by the recent announcement that GM will incorporate the company's technology in a solution that will allow Chevy Spark and the Chevy Sonic RS owners to enjoy the popular TuneIn music smartphone app in vehicles equipped with GM's MyLink Radio. Essentially, the Livio Connect middleware software enables hardware such as the Spark's installed head unit and radio to connect with smartphone apps like TuneIn and interact with one another. This integration also allows drivers to control the app in a hands-free manner, only using voice and vehicle controls. In the application on display at the Show, the Livio Connect technology will be installed in a Chevy Spark equipped with MyLink Radio to demonstrate how drivers can enjoy any of the 70,000 stations from around the world featured on the mobile TuneIn app.

Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC)

With so many systems and manufacturers in the mix bringing the connected car and its multiple features into reality, it's hugely important that a standard be created so all parties involved are on the same page. No real advancement could happen without it. Smartphones from various manufacturers need to be able to integrate with center console displays from others, while automakers have to ensure that all these devices embed efficiently in their vehicles. To that end, members of the CCC have created MirrorLink(TM), a technology standard for controlling a nearby smartphone via steering wheel and dashboard buttons and screens. The organization has proven to be a success with membership including more than 80 percent of the world's automakers and more than 70 percent of the world's smartphone vendors, as well as related hardware manufacturers such as the makers of display technologies. The list reads like a who's who of these industries and includes companies such as GM, Toyota, Volkswagen, LG, Nokia, Panasonic and Alpine. Pursuing its goal of ensuring a safe driving environment where driver distraction is eliminated and entertainment and functionality maximized, the Consortium has already garnered the cooperation of these global brands to create MirrorLink version 1.0 and its requisite authorized test labs. At the LA Auto Show, Press Days attendees will get an insider's view of how MirrorLink works to ensure smartphones, center console displays and the latest intelligent vehicles can function seamlessly together ensuring the success and growth of the connected car.

Auto Alliance

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is the voice for a united auto industry. The Auto Alliance is committed to developing and implementing constructive solutions to public policy challenges that promote sustainable mobility and benefit society in the areas of environment, energy and motor vehicle safety.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the leading advocacy group for the auto industry, represents 77 percent of all car and light truck sales in the United States, including the BMW Group, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz USA, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen Group of America and Volvo Cars North America.

About the Los Angeles Auto Show

As the first major North American auto show of the season, the 2012 LA Auto Show will host some of the industry's most important new vehicle debuts and set the tone for the rest of the year. The dates are Nov. 28 and 29 for press and Nov. 30 - Dec. 9 for the public. Media must register online by Nov. 9 to receive credentials in the mail. Following Press Days, the show becomes one of the best attended public auto shows in the world. To receive the latest show news and information, follow the LA Auto Show on Twitter at twitter.com/LAAutoShow, visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/LosAngelesAutoShow and sign up for alerts at LAAutoShow.com.