Welcome to day two of the 2008 International CES. With 2,700 of the world’s leading consumer technology companies debuting their latest innovations, the 2008 CES promises to be nothing short of phenomenal. This year’s CES features more than 1.8 million net square feet of exhibit space — the largest in CES history — and amazing keynote speakers, including Comcast’s Brian Roberts, who is slated to speak this morning.
The latest gadgets, covering more than 30 product categories, will launch on this year’s show floor, including groundbreaking innovations in wireless, digital imaging, home theater, gaming and more. With tens of thousands of products on display, the 2008 CES is truly the global hub for the entire consumer technology industry.
And while the breadth of the industry is expanding this week, as new products and technologies are unveiled, today is a particularly big day for two major CES categories — in-vehicle technology and specialty retailers, installers and integrators.
The 2008 CES marks a major milestone for the in-vehicle technology market. This product category is taking the industry by storm, as sales of in-vehicle electronics topped $10 billion in 2007, and are projected to continue that growth through 2008.
The CES show floor has seen the dawn of thousands of in-vehicle technology products, including the launch of satellite radio. GPS and navigational technologies have made the market soar, and enabled consumers to travel more safely and efficiently. This year’s CES features one of the largest displays of in-vehicle technology products in show history. In fact, the entire North Hall of the LVCC is dedicated solely to the growing in-vehicle technology market.
Today at 4:30 p.m., Rick Wagoner, chairman and CEO of General Motors, the world’s largest automaker, will deliver a keynote address in the Venetian’s Palazzo Ballroom. Wagoner’s address marks GM’s first keynote address at CES, and is the first keynote to be delivered by any auto manufacturer in CES history. This truly illustrates the importance and strength of the in-vehicle technology market.
Also at CES for the first time this year is the BMW Sauber F1 Team Pit Lane Park, sponsored by Intel. Located in the CES Gold Lot Exhibit at the LVCC, BMW’s Pit Lane Park features a 90-meter race track with live racing and stunt actions from the world renowned BMW Sauber F1 Team. This amazing display is the only U.S. stop on the 2008 Pit Lane Park Tour!
With the General Motors keynote address, BMW’s Pit Lane Park and more than 280 exhibitors and 200,000 square feet of exhibit space in the LVCC’s North Hall dedicated to the latest in-vehicle technologies, the 2008 CES is one of the largest car-technology shows in the world.
This week also celebrates the installation and integration industry. This talented group of installers and integrators are responsible for bringing our consumer technologies, including in-vehicle technology products, to life.
With thousands of new products launching at the show, it’s essential for specialty retailers and installers to stay ahead of the market curve. This year’s CES features Specialty Dealer Days, devoted to the industry’s specialty retailers, professional installers and integrators. This new CES program, which runs through today, includes conference sessions and certification training for the next generation of technologies unveiled on the CES show floor.
Whether you’re looking for the latest gadgets, including the hottest emerging in-vehicle technologies, or cutting-edge installation techniques, the International CES show floor has something for everyone involved in consumer technology. So please enjoy your second day at the 2008 International CES, where you will experience the next generation of consumer technology, changing the shape of our industry and world.
