LIVE FROM CES ASIA, SHANGHAI: Huawei announced yesterday it is partnering with Audi to explore the future of interconnected vehicles as they increasingly link to the urban infrastructure to improve safety and convenience.

Audi currently uses Huawei’s LTE modules in its new Q7 SUV, supporting data download speeds of up to 100Mb/s.

“We see the unlimited opportunities available in the interconnected car market,” said Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei’s consumer business group. “By partnering with companies like Audi, Huawei aims to actively promote interaction between cars, smartphones, wearables and people, creating a seamless communication experience and driving environment.”

Some analysts expect up to 90 per cent of cars to have internet connectivity by 2020, which will be a major force in expanding the Internet of Things.

Audi chairman Rupert Stadler said in his keynote at CES Asia on Sunday that, according to the World Health Organisation, 1.1 million people die in automobile accidents each year, with 90 per cent caused by human error. He said piloted driving has the potential to make driving much safer.

Last year Audi named Huawei its official partner for its expertise in telecoms and interconnected car technologies.