VNC Automotive’s deals on wheels with global motorcycle makers

A third global motorcycle maker now offers CarPlay to riders through a partnership between VNC Automotive and Oklahoma-based Enovation Controls, a Helios Technologies business which specialises in rugged displays and controllers that empower users.

The new Cambridge UK-US partnership combines VNC Automotive’s industry standard CarPlay SDK seamlessly incorporated into Enovation Controls’ vehicle head units, delivering what the partners call “enhanced functionality and an unparalleled user experience for riders.”

What makes this project even more significant is that this is the seventh motorcycle model ever to have achieved CarPlay certification – a milestone success for Enovation Controls and its customers.

The collaboration sees VNC Automotive provide its CarPlay SDK, now deployed within tens of millions of vehicles, on Enovation Controls PowerView® Platform – an outlet favoured around the world by industrial, marine and agricultural industries.

The latest use case is for a recreational and specialised vehicle maker, within one of its premium three wheeled touring motorcycles and represents what the partners call “a leap in the infotainment offering.”

Riders can expect a range of benefits, including advanced connectivity between the motorcycle’s systems and their smartphone – allowing riders to easily access essential information and enjoy their preferred multimedia content and applications on the move.

With Enovation Controls PowerView® Platform the infotainment system can become a display of, and intuitive controller for, a rider’s iOS device. The device itself is safely stowed away.

Billy Aldridge, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at Enovation Controls says: “We are excited to introduce our PowerView Platform to the motorcycle market, enhancing the riding experience for enthusiasts worldwide.

“This was Enovation Controls’ inaugural display featuring the CarPlay connectivity protocol and we were delighted to partner with VNC Automotive to deliver this element.

“Their engineering team’s experience in this area was a fantastic addition to the project, greatly reducing time to market. Our motorcycle customer is delighted to offer even more exhilarating journeys for their riders.”

Tom Blackie, CEO of VNC Automotive adds: “Enovation Controls have been a fantastic, forward-thinking partner and together we’ve pulled off something great within motorcycle technology.

“Having successfully deployed connectivity projects such as CarPlay on behalf of all major automakers and their Tier 1s for many years, we’ve steadily seen more demand coming from other transportation sectors.

“Understandably motorcycle, recreational, and all-terrain vehicle users want safe smartphone integration too, which we’ve been able to achieve here with Enovation Controls for their customer. It’s been an excellent experience and testament to what’s possible within tight timeframes with exceptional partners.”

Enovation Controls’ CarPlay enabled display will initially be available from the motorcycle maker in North America from model year 2025 for new vehicles, with the potential for software updates over-the-air for older models.

Having reached this milestone, VNC Automotive anticipates further projects utilising its technology within the recreational vehicle market sector – including snow mobiles, jet skis and other marine vehicles.

Closer to home, North Wales Police has significantly optimised its vehicle fleet operations by integrating VNC Automotive’s innovative Cobalt Cube® technology. The collaboration was being highlighted on July 2 and 3 at NAPFM The Emergency Fleet Exhibition – a key event for police fleet managers.

North Wales Police faced challenges with bulky ANPR equipment occupying passenger space and reducing vehicle aftermarket value. The introduction of the Cobalt Cube has streamlined their fleet of Audi’s, enabling the ANPR system to be displayed on, and controlled from, the OEM dashboard screen. This ergonomic solution frees up cabin space, improving officer safety and comfort. Vehicle conversion time was also reduced, and aftermarket value retained.

Blackie said: “Our engineering team supported North Wales in the successful roll out across their fleet of Audi’s. These vehicles are out in the field and enabling officers to access ANPR software from the OEM screen.

“Whilst these fleet vehicles will now retain higher after market value when decommissioned, we were able to help reduce cabin clutter and improve occupant safety, which is the real win.”