Porsche is exploring Blockchain apps in its vehicles in cooperation with the Berlin-based startup XAIN. Possible applications for Blockchain technology range from locking and opening car doors via an app, with the possibility for temporary access authorization, to new and improved business models through encrypted data logging. Porsche also stated that Blockchain technology could be applied in further improving the safety and capabilities of driverless cars.
German Ingolstadt-based car manufacturer Audi is testing Blockchain technology for its physical and financial distribution processing. With its new solution, Audi aims to increase the security and transparency in its global supply chains. The car manufacturer released a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) of its Blockchain system last year, after successfully testing the technology based on Hyperledger Fabric. Due to positive feedback, Audi’s management decided to advance the project beyond the PoC stage.
Germany-headquartered car manufacturing giant Daimler AG, famous for its Mercedes-Benz and Smart brands, presented its own Blockchain-based digital currency MobiCoin at the Mobile World Congress 2018 in Barcelona.
BMW, another German car manufacturer has allegedly closed a second partnership with a Blockchain startup, this time to source ethical cobalt for its products.
Volkswagen (VW) has announced a cooperation agreement with the IOTA Foundation, with plans to potentially incorporate blockchain technology into the autonomous driving initiatives of the German car giant which owns Lamborghini.
Dubai’s transport authority has revealed plans to create a vehicle lifecycle management system using Blockchain as part of the Dubai 10X initiative. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said the project seeks to improve customer experience by providing a vehicle history from the manufacturer all the way to the scrap yard. In other words, buyers and sellers will be able to track where the vehicle is in its lifecycle.
What’s cooking here in Malaysia?
A Visit to MAI – Malaysia Automotive Institute
We made a visit to MAI (Malaysia Automotive Institute) in Cyberjaya on 30th March 2018, to discuss Blockchain technology and the possibilities on how the automotive industry can apply it from policy and regulation’s point of views.
We met Dato Madani Sahari, the CEO of MAI, who is very open-minded and far-sighted, shown from how he was able to interpret and explain the concepts to his colleagues during the meeting. MAI’s Assistant GM from Strategic Division, Mohd Sharulnizam bin Sarip also provided us a lot of useful points to ponder with his comments and feedbacks. We have quite a fruitful meeting with all the nice people from MAI who joined the briefing.
Effendy Zulkifly, founder of BCRC (Blockchain Research Center) Malaysia gave a good presentation on how Blockchain can play a role in the automotive industry.
This was an exciting and great meet up with MAI’s team. From left, representing BCRC Malaysia’s chapter, Effendy Zulkifly, How Tze, Dr. Andi from Indonesia, and Amir from AGA Group.
MAI’s Electric Car
Met this cutie on our way back. The electric car is charging outside the parking area.
