Stellantis Ventures Invests in Breakthrough, Cost-effective LiDAR Technology for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Stellantis Ventures invests in SteerLight, a developer of cost-effective LiDAR technology for advanced driver assistance systems. The on-chip LiDAR offers high precision and resolution at a lower cost, aiding in the adoption of ADAS. This investment aligns with Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 plan for clean, safe, and affordable mobility.
The investment by Stellantis Ventures into SteerLight's innovative LiDAR technology signifies a strategic move towards enhancing the company's competitive edge in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This technology, which utilizes Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) and silicon photonics, offers a leap in precision and cost-effectiveness compared to existing LiDAR systems. It's essential to understand that the integration of such technology can lead to improvements in vehicle safety features, which are increasingly becoming a selling point for consumers. Moreover, the potential reduction in production costs could translate into a more attractive pricing strategy for Stellantis, potentially increasing market share in the segment of vehicles equipped with advanced safety features.
From a business perspective, the adoption of this technology could streamline production and minimize component size, which is important for design flexibility. The robustness of the system, due to the absence of moving parts, may also lead to lower maintenance costs and longer system life, enhancing customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. However, the actual impact on Stellantis' financials will depend on the speed of implementation and market acceptance of the new technology.
Stellantis' investment in SteerLight reflects a broader industry trend towards automation and enhanced vehicle safety. The market for ADAS is expected to grow significantly and investments in technologies like LiDAR are pivotal to tapping into this expanding market. By focusing on cost-effective solutions, Stellantis is not only preparing for stringent safety regulations but also catering to a consumer base that is increasingly aware of and interested in driving assistance features.
It is important to note that the success of such technology in the market will be influenced by consumer trust in automated systems and the regulatory environment. The potential for SteerLight's technology to support new services in the automotive industry could lead to new revenue streams for Stellantis. However, the company must navigate the competitive landscape carefully, as other automotive players are also investing heavily in similar technologies.
The financial implications of Stellantis' investment in SteerLight are multifaceted. Initially, the capital outlay for the investment and subsequent R&D may weigh on short-term earnings. However, the strategic nature of this investment could yield long-term benefits, such as cost savings from lower production costs and potential revenue growth driven by enhanced product offerings. It's important to monitor the execution of integrating this technology into Stellantis' product line and the market's response to these advancements.
Investors should also consider the potential for this technology to become a standard across the industry, which could lead to economies of scale and further cost reductions. The ability of Stellantis to secure a competitive advantage through this investment will depend on the exclusivity of the technology and the speed with which it can be brought to market relative to competitors.
03/20/2024 - 03:03 AM
Stellantis Ventures Invests in Breakthrough, Cost-effective LiDAR Technology for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Innovative on-chip LiDAR developed by SteerLight delivers unparalleled sensing precision and resolution SteerLight’s compact, lower cost LiDAR will help advance adoption of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) Technology that helps deliver clean, safe and affordable mobility is a key component of the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan AMSTERDAM, March 20, 2024 – Stellantis Ventures, the corporate venture fund of Stellantis N.V., today announced it has invested in SteerLight, the developer of a new generation of high-performance LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensing technology.
Employing silicon photonics technology, which combines a universal semiconductor material with the speed of photos, the SteerLight LiDAR senses the surrounding environment in three dimensions with higher resolution and precision, and at a lower volume production cost, than currently available LiDAR systems.
The technology has the potential to give drivers of future Stellantis brand vehicles better performance in a variety of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including automated driving.
“A central aspect of our Dare Forward 2030 initiatives is identifying groundbreaking technologies that deliver substantial value to our customers on a large scale,” said Ned Curic, Stellantis Chief Engineering & Technology Officer. “Automated driving enhancements remain a top priority at Stellantis. The game-changing work at SteerLight can enable enhanced and widespread ADAS applications.”
“We see a great benefit from having Stellantis’ corporate venture fund recognize our innovation so we can unlock large-scale adoption of LiDAR for industrial and mobility applications,” said François Simoens, co-founder and CEO of SteerLight. “Our new LiDAR technology is key to support new services in the automotive industry, and we are looking forward to working together to advance the next generation of vehicles.”
SteerLight, a spinoff of the French CEA-Leti technology center, employs Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) LiDAR based on silicon photonics technology that puts the system on a microchip. The system is robust (no moving parts) and compact, maximizing flexibility for vehicle engineers. It overcomes challenges of today’s LiDAR technology for vehicles – component size and high cost. The FMCW technology provides highly accurate depth and velocity data while resisting interference from the surrounding environment and other users.
Since its inception in 2022, Stellantis Ventures has invested in 12 startups and one mobility fund, focused on developing cutting-edge technologies that will improve outcomes for individual customers and society as a whole.
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About Stellantis Ventures
Established with an initial investment of €300 million , Stellantis Ventures is the first Stellantis corporate venture fund. It targets early and later-stage startup companies that are developing cutting-edge technologies for the automotive and mobility sectors and are focused on improving outcomes for individual customers and society as a whole. The fund has a unique dual mandate that requires portfolio companies to have strong, sustainable growth prospects as well as a high potential for technological adoption within Stellantis’ products and operations. Backed by one of the world’s leading automakers and mobility providers, Stellantis Ventures is uniquely positioned to drive value quickly and effectively for portfolio members.
About Stellantis
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world’s leading automakers aiming to provide clean, safe and affordable freedom of mobility to all. It’s best known for its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep ® , Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Stellantis is executing its Dare Forward 2030, a bold strategic plan that paves the way to achieve the ambitious target of becoming a carbon net zero mobility tech company by 2038, with single-digit percentage compensation of the remaining emissions, while creating added value for all stakeholders. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com
@Stellantis Stellantis Stellantis Stellantis For more information, contact: Fernão SILVEIRA +31 6 43 25 43 41 – fernao.silveira@stellantis.comNathalie ROUSSEL +33 6 87 77 41 82 – nathalie.roussel@stellantis.com
SteerLight developed a new generation of high-performance LiDAR sensing technology.
The technology can enhance various advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including automated driving, for future Stellantis vehicles.
The SteerLight LiDAR offers higher resolution and precision at a lower production cost compared to existing LiDAR systems.
SteerLight's LiDAR uses silicon photonics technology, combining a universal semiconductor material with the speed of photons.
Stellantis Ventures has invested in 12 startups and one mobility fund since its inception in 2022.
