Charles H. Miller
Simply put, major brands must adopt new technologies in order to stay relevant. And to keep their fat margins.
Auto industry is not an exception, with many German automakers playing with blockchain technology in order to grasp its potential, and well – stay relevant in the increasingly tech-driven market.
In this article, we’ll explore what they’re doing to bring their vehicles to the new age of decentralized computing. Let’s start with Mercedes…
Mercedes-Benz has a crypto coin that rewards eco-friendly driving
The company unveiled its eco-friendly, crypto-based initiative during this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona; Daimler AG’s blockchain-based digital currency — called MobiCoin — will reward drivers for their environmentally-friendly driving, including smooth and safe driving at low speeds. So this obviously is not something owners of AMG-branded vehicles will appreciate, but who knows? Perhaps they don’t use all that horsepower as much as they could.
The project has started in February, and its testing phase will last for three months, during which 500 drivers will be rewarded with MobiCoins. Those who accumulate the most crypto-tokens will be eligible to receive rewards like VIP tickets for events such as the DTM Races, the MercedesCup Final, or Fashion Week in Berlin. It is, however, unknown whether MobiCoins could be converted to Euros, which would be a nice add-on, though perhaps not the best motivator for Mercedes owners, I presume.
BMW working with VeChain Thor
Meanwhile, BMW is looking to use blockchain in its supply chain operations, and has to that end partnered with VeChain Thor. The partnership has yet to produce any meaningful results and we’ll have to wait a little longer to learn more about this endeavor.
Chances are the two parties will extend their partnership to include some sort of Internet-of-Things solution, that would enable users to remotely access their beloved cars, check on its location and so on. From what I understand, this sort of use case is ideal for anti-theft solutions, though I could easily miss on something here. Something like Porsche is doing…
Porsche looking to run blockchain apps in its cars
The automaker is working with the Berlin-based startup XAIN to test blockchain apps in its vehicles. This in turn has made Porsche the “first automobile manufacturer to implement and successfully test Blockchain in a car,” according to the official press release.
Possible applications reportedly include things like locking and opening car doors via an app, temporary access authorization, and encrypted data logging. In addition, Porsche says that blockchain could be applied to improve the safety and capabilities of driverless cars.
“We can use Blockchain to transfer data more quickly and securely, giving our customers more peace of mind in the future, whether they are charging, parking, or need to give a third party, such as a parcel delivery agent, temporary access to the vehicle,” Financial strategist for Porsche, Oliver Döring, said in a statement. “We translate the innovative technology into direct benefits for the customer.”
Not sure many drivers will appreciate all these features, but who knows – if they are seamless enough and if they actually improve the (self)driving experience, they may “fly,” or at very least help Porsche keep its margins.
Volkswagen’s Chief Digital Officer joins IOTA Foundation’s board
Still nothing here, just smoke. But as they say it – there’s no smoke without fire. And with Volkswagen’s Chief Digital Officer Johann Jungwirth joining the IOTA Foundation’s Supervisory Board, we gotta presume something’s in the air.
For those who haven’t heard about it, IOTA is a non-profit blockchain foundation for the Internet of Things (IoT) and we gotta presume VW will find a way to use the technology in its vehicles.
To that end, Jungwirth said: “The IOTA platform allows connected devices to digitally send money to each other in form of micropayments, making it useful for the IoT.”
So what do you think of this trend? Do you like the idea of automakers joining in on the blockchain bandwagon? And where do you see this going? Comments form is all yours…
