What Has SEMA Done for You Lately?

Ford's John Ellis Gets You One Step Closer to Making Apps for Cars

By Jason Catullo

 Ford, John Ellis
Ford’s John Ellis will be part of a panel that covers connected-vehicle technology and the current opportunities for automotive apps during the 2014 Product Development Expo.
  

Ford’s John Ellis—global technologist, Connected Services, and head of the Ford Developer program—is a part of a featured panel at the upcoming 2014 Product Development Expo, taking place Thursday, April 10, at the SEMA Garage – Industry Innovations Center in Diamond Bar, California. Ellis is a seasoned executive with more than 20 years of experience in telecommunications, consumer electronics, consultative sales, network design, marketing, branding and more.

As a global technologist and head of the Ford developer program, Ellis is tasked with expanding Ford’s strategy of integrating mobile technology into vehicles. He is also the founder and principal of a management consulting practice, as well as a university adjunct professor delivering customized training in international business, sales, marketing and finance.

Ellis will be part of a panel that covers connected-vehicle technology and the current opportunities for automotive apps. Bringing mobile technology into the vehicle is the focus for the future, and Ellis will highlight the Ford Developer Support Program and OpenXC—a non-production open-source interface, designed to attract top developers to experiment with DIY projects in Ford vehicles (with or without SYNC).

The one-day Product Development Expo is designed to introduce and educate the industry on the latest product-development tools, technologies and resources available through SEMA and the industry. Guests will get an insider's tour of the SEMA Garage and view the available tools and resources, including custom scanning, an installation center, a media center, 3D printing and rapid prototyping machinery and an emissions lab and dyno services.

The expo will also highlight emissions testing, regulations and best practices and feature a closing networking reception.

To learn more about the Product Development Expo, fueled by the SEMA Garage, or to register, visit SEMA.org