Lear Corporation has acquired Arada Systems, a Troy, Michigan based automotive technology company that specialises in Vehicle-to-Vehicle and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2X) communications.

"Lear is a leader in managing power and distributing signals within a vehicle. The acquisition of Arada Systems, in addition to our recent acquisition of technology from Autonet Mobile, adds software and hardware capabilities to our portfolio to securely facilitate wireless communications between the vehicle and external networks, as well as other vehicles," said Matt Simoncini, Lear's president and chief executive officer.  "We see excellent growth opportunities for our electrical business as the connectivity mega-trend drives increased requirements for data and signal management to meet rapidly growing demand for more connectivity and communication features in vehicles."

Arada Systems has developed V2X software and hardware solutions utilising its expertise in 5.9 GHz dedicated short range communications and other wireless communications protocols, notably GPS.  Arada has developed software to ensure highly secure V2X communications and defend against cyber-security attacks.  Its V2X products include its LocoMate series of roadside units for infrastructure and on-board units for vehicles.  Arada has 45 employees and its technology is used worldwide.

THE WEEK THAT WAS – Connecting cars in Canada