Automotive and Web at W3C
In recognition of increased consumer demand for data and services in Connected Cars, the automotive industry is working at W3C to bring drivers and passengers a rich Web experience. Read industry testimonials.
How does the Web benefit industry and consumers?
Customer satisfaction
Consumers want safe and secure access to the Web, entertainment, and information (about the car, weather, traffic, etc.) that will improve driving and work smoothly with other consumer devices.
Customer relations
The Web makes it easier for auto makers to maintain relations with their customers over the life of the car, through apps that run in the car's head unit or on mobile phones and other devices.
Improved ROI
Web technology reduces the cost of creating, deploying, updating, and reusing cross-platform apps that can run in any car. A large developer community and open standards lower costs and prevent vendor lock-in.
Improved safety
Safety can be improved through vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication.
Data innovation
Developers want to use car data in new ways, aggregating vehicle data, user data, and the Internet of Things.
Traffic efficiency
Public bodies are looking into use of shared data to improve traffic efficiency, and Web technology eases data integration.
Many industry reports have confirmed that a significant majority of consumers want safe and secure access to the Web from their connected car. Yet vehicle-specific application platforms have limited appeal to developers because the market size is small (compared to mobile devices, for example) and there is a high cost to learning and developing code for multiple platforms. On the other hand, the Open Web Platform is a scalable solution for apps in connected cars enabling companies to capitalize on this connectivity trend:
- It is the most interoperable system available
- It is a decentralized, neutral platform, and W3C standards are designed to be Royalty-Free.
- Open standards designed to run anywhere lower the cost of creating apps (including hybrid)
- No app installation is required, updates happen over the air, and apps work offline as well.
- A large developer community has years of experience with Web technologies.
With active participation from the automotive industry, W3C is working to bring drivers and passengers a rich Web experience.
Ensuring the Web Meets Industry Requirements
That is why, in 2013 the automotive industry launched the Automotive and Web Platform Business Group to ensure that the Open Web Platform will meet the unique needs of the automotive industry, and to help stakeholders within the automotive industry to build a good and practical understanding on the standardization processes within the W3C. As of early 2015, more than 50 companies and organizations participate in the group. Initally they focused on two specifications:
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Vehicle Information API
A standard for HTML5/JavaScript application developers enabling Web connectivity through in-vehicle infotainment systems and vehicle data access protocols. This API can also be leveraged by HTML5/JavaScript applications running on mobile devices that access the data resources of a connected passenger vehicle.
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Vehicle Data Interfaces
A specification that defines a standard for vehicle data which might be available in a vehicle. It is designed to be used in conjunction with the Vehicle Information API specification.
The group published completed drafts at the end of 2014 and is now looking at how to integrate the media tuner and speech interfaces into Web applications.
Creating Web Standards for Automotive
In 2015 W3C launched the Automotive Working Group to develop Open Web Platform specifications for HTML5/JavaScript application developers enabling Web connectivity through in-vehicle infotainment systems and vehicle data access protocols. The group's first focus is to advance the Business Group's draft specifications to standards.
Shape the Web as a W3C Member
For twenty years, W3C Members have played a significant role in shaping the Web. Contact W3C to learn more about the benefits of W3C Membership.