Mobility Matchmaking: Acerta, ZF Connection Exemplifies Goal For New Platform At Detroit's Auto Show

Making connections with digital-tech small fry is one of the most important things that automakers and their suppliers can do these days. Whether it's accessing big-data algorithms or discovering the best maker of geofencing software, auto-industry giants must suck up innovation and talent at the leading edge and sometimes in the smallest increments to stand a chance of competing with their natural rivals and with Silicon Valley. That's the thinking behind the planned launch in January of an organized networking platform as part of AutoMobili-D, the arm of the North American International Auto Show that is devoted to discussions of mobility technology and services and to helping players big and small make those crucial connections. At the first AutoMobili-D last January, plenty of sparks flew between worthy startups and big companies lifting the hood on their ideas, their technologies, their personnel and their attitudes. Most of those connections were made relatively serendipitously, as participants demonstrated their wares in the AutoMobili-D exhibit space and reps huddled throughout Cobo Hall where NAIAS was held.