Earlier today, Honda issued a press release announcing that it has earned a 2016 Automotive News PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Innovation Partnership Award for its collaboration with leading international automotive supplier, Continental. The two companies partnered in the development of the Bidirectional Long Range Communications (BLRC) System which enables long range remote communication with a vehicle and key fob.
"We are proud the PACE Awards judges have chosen our collaboration with Honda for this prestigious recognition," said Jeff Klei, President of Continental North America. "Our close partnership fostered the development of innovative solutions to the challenges of providing safe and reliable bidirectional communication across significant distances, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and enabling OEM differentiation."
The innovative BLRC technology enables a driver to connect with her vehicle from up to a third of a mile away using a remote control key fob powered by a single standard coin cell battery. The fob can be used to start the engine, activate climate controls, and receive status feedback from a distance 20 times greater than the range of conventional remote fob technology.
"Building a successful partnership like the one forged with Continental does not happen overnight," said Frank Paluch, President of Honda R&D Americas, Inc. "It takes time, trust, teamwork and a singular goal – to deliver a product that provides great value to our customers. It is an honor to be recognized by the PACE award committee for this innovative collaboration."