Experts Predict When Cars Will Drive Autonomously During LA Auto Show/Connected Car Expo Press Days November 19-21

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --The discussion on self-driving cars has shifted from "if" to "when" in just a few years, as innovation from both inside and outside the auto industry is quickly accelerating personal transportation towards an autonomous-car future. The LA Auto Show's Connected Car Expo (CCE) – held as part of the Los Angeles Auto Show Press Days, Nov. 19-21, 2013 – will bring together the key players in this rapidly evolving space, for a panel called "Technology Takes the Wheel – Our Autonomous Driving Future" during CCE.  In addition to conference sessions, the three day industry event will feature exhibits and technology debuts that will also help preview how vehicles are rapidly becoming the ultimate mobile device.

Experts discussing the rapid advancements and implications of self-driving vehicles include Ron Medford, Google's Director of Safety for the Self-Driving Car and the former NHTSA Deputy Administrator; Continental North America's Vice President Jeff Klei and the Executive Director of the Center for Automotive Research at Stanford (CARS), Sven Beiker. The discussion will be moderated by Joseph White, the global auto editor of The Wall Street Journal.

"As tech companies make automotive integration breakthroughs every day, it makes perfect sense for a technology powerhouse like Google to have a voice at the Connected Car Expo," said automotive technology expert and CCE Program Chair, Doug Newcomb. "Automotive and technology companies' interests are converging quickly, and panels like this simply expedite the flow of relevant information between industries and to the media."

The autonomous driving discussion will round out a full day of panels on topics ranging from distracted driving to big data. In addition to panels, top technology companies as well as automakers will feature exhibits and unveil new products. Exhibitors include: Airbiquity, Hertz NeverLost, On-Star, Qualcomm, Sprint, TeleNav, Verizon and others. 

CCE will also feature the Top Tech Showcase, where some of the hottest start-ups and emerging technology innovators such as Clip Interactive, Livio, Parkopedia and Productsy will showcase their top concepts and products.

"CCE provides a tremendous opportunity for technology companies to showcase their innovations at one of the world's most important automotive industry events," said LA Auto Show President, Lisa Kaz. "With the introduction of CCE, we're excited to connect true innovators from these two increasingly linked industries."

For more information, including details on how to participate and an updated list of panelists, please visit connectedcarexpo.com and facebook.com/connectedcarexpo. Media may apply for credentials here.

About the Connected Car Expo (CCE)
Recognizing that tech innovation and integration have transformed the automobile into the ultimate mobile device, LA Auto Show® organizers (ANSA Productions) launched the Connected Car Expo (CCE) – a global stage designed to showcase new mobility solutions, unveil new auto technology and connect professionals from two ever-converging industries. CCE represents a singular environment in which the companies, key players and media involved in the connected car space can exchange ideas, develop solutions and create the business opportunities that will shape the future of transportation. Chaired by automotive technology expert Doug Newcomb, CCE is purpose-built as a thought leadership forum, technology showcase and industry exchange hosted in Los Angeles – an international hub for innovation. CCE debuts on November 19, 2013, and will continue as part of LA Auto Show® Press Days on Nov. 20 and 21. For more information, please visit www.connectedcarexpo.com. 

SOURCE LA Auto Show