Convergence 2002 Plans an Even Bigger Lineup

For anyone dealing with automotive electronics, Cobo Center will once again be the place to be this October. Convergence 2000 broke previous attendance records with more than 10,000 people during its three days.

This year's conference promises to be even bigger, as exhibit space has been enlarged by 35% and utilizes two halls at Cobo, home of the North American International Auto Show.

The 3-day event opens Oct. 21, featuring more than 180 state-of-the-art exhibits and a number of keynote speakers.

“The goal of Convergence is to bring together key industry leaders to exchange ideas on the future of automotive electronics technologies while addressing important technological, societal and business issues affecting the application of electronics in the automobile,” says Bernard I. Robertson, senior vice president of DaimlerChrysler Group and chairman of Convergence 2002. DC sponsors and hosts this year's event.

The 2002 theme is “Transportation Electronics = Business + Technology + Process,” which addresses three important aspects of the industry. In the past, Convergence focused exclusively on automotive technology. This year, as expressed in the theme, the importance of emerging technology has expanded to include the process and business aspects.

The first Convergence was held in 1974, when FM stereos in cars were still somewhat innovative. This year, plan to see gadgets like night vision, video sensors, braking system/traction control integration and the latest in fuel cell technology, to name a few. The technical program will include at least 75 papers examining everything from societal implications of new technology to future business and technological challenges. Also expect popular panel discussions and question and answer sessions.

Key speakers this year include DC Vice President Robertson; Dick Brass, VP of Technology Development at software giant Microsoft; Chris Galvin, CEO of communications leader Motorola; Thierry Morin, CEO of electronics supplier Valeo SA; Wolfgang Dehen, CEO of electronics supplier Siemens VDO; and Dieter Zetsche, president and CEO of DC AG.

“We are fortunate to have a top-notch lineup of speakers this year that blends the pioneering spirit with the forward-thinking vision that will lead our industries into the future,” says Robertson.

Looking toward the future is a big part of this industry, as predictions hint at electronic systems' values to be as much as 40% of vehicle content by 2010. Current estimates place content at about 22%.

The Convergence Transportation Electronics Assn., part sponsor of the conference, will donate proceeds to the Convergence Educational Foundation. This is a nonprofit organization devoted to getting elementary and secondary level students interested in math and science. Convergence 2000 raised more than $900,000 for the charity.

A comprehensive Website detailing the event is at www.convergence2002.org. Look for schedules, exhibitor information, sponsorships, media info and maps. Online registration also is available, or contact Denise Freitag at (248) 944-0975.