Porsche Digital Tech Center Earmarked for Silicon Valley

‘The future is being written in Silicon Valley,’ says head of Porsche Digital.

If there’s one thing that’s become abundantly clear over the last few years, it’s that digital technology in automobiles is heading in only one direction. And automakers clearly understand the need to invest in such technologies. Porsche, in particular, appears to be heading straight to tech’s ground zero. Because according to Reuters, there’s a new Silicon Valley-based Porsche digital technology center in the works.

The new technology center will employ 100 people and serve one purpose: to further Porsche’s future digital strategy. The automaker intends to do this by forging new partnerships, teaming up with venture capital companies, and investing in other companies. And there’s no better place to do that than in the heart of today’s technology epicenter.

‘[Being] right next door to leading IT companies allows us to identify trends early and invest in new technologies at the right time.’

Exactly what sort of technologies Porsche intends to develop in the new center is unknown. But as Motor Authority speculates, they could land in the brand’s more premium offerings. That includes the Mission E, which promises to set a new technological standard when it hits the market. The all-electric vehicle is said to employ things like over the air software updates and multiple power outputs.

Other technologies could include advanced mobile data connectivity, car-based apps and autonomous driving tech. The center comes on the heels of Porsche’s digital division launch last year. Porsche Digital has already invested in several venture capital companies. And that investment in the future only looks set to increase, says division head Thilo Koslowski.

“The car is the ultimate mobile device of the future, and the future is being written in Silicon Valley,” Koslowski told Reuters. “This means it is particularly important to be right next door to leading IT companies in the USA, as this allows us to identify trends early and invest in new technologies at the right time.”

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.
He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.