Lear Corp. and IMS Connector Systems Partner for High-speed Automotive Ethernet Solution

Lear Corp., a Southfield-based supplier of automotive technology for seating and e-systems, has formed a joint development agreement with Löffingen, Germany-based IMS Connector Systems to develop high-speed ethernet solutions for automotive applications.
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ethernet cable being plugged into laptop
Lear Corp. and IMS Connector Systems has announced a partnership today to provide high-speed broadband to automakers. // Stock Photo

Lear Corp., a Southfield-based supplier of automotive technology for seating and e-systems, has formed a joint development agreement with Löffingen, Germany-based IMS Connector Systems to develop high-speed ethernet solutions for automotive applications.

Ethernet increases bandwidth, data transmission speed, and capacity, while decreasing cable weight, and time required for computations compared to wireless options. The agreement will focus on developing the technology to be adaptable for autonomous and connected vehicles in the future.

“Lear and IMS Connector Systems are sharing extensive experience in connector design and advanced manufacturing to improve high-speed data transmission,” says Carl Esposito, senior vice president and president, e-systems at Lear. “These new connectors enable new applications made possible by the growing capabilities of network architectures in next-generation vehicles.”

According to Lear, ethernet will be key as vehicles are transmitting more data due to the increasing use of sensors, actuators, and other control devices to support advanced driver assist systems and in-vehicle comfort and convenience features.

Ethernet may also be a critical enabler of future technologies, including highly autonomous or fully autonomous operating systems and edge computing, which moves computation and data storage from the cloud into the location where it is needed to improve response times, the company says.

The companies expect a fully validated product to be available beginning in 2023.

“(IMS) is proud to work with Lear on high-speed automotive Ethernet solutions that will optimize and improve existing products and enable new mobility features,” says Peter Peetz, CEO of IMS Connector Systems. “With vehicle architectures becoming more complex and connected, we expect that high-speed Ethernet applications will experience a significantly higher market penetration in the future.”