Meanwhile, the cost of airbags has fallen by more than 90% over the past decade, notes Franz Wressnigg, who is president of the Automotive Systems Group of Germany's Siemens, one of the world's largest airbag suppliers.
Hacking into automotive microprocessors from the likes of Intel, Bosch, Siemens and Motorola was once the province of engine aficionados and the street-racing set.
The partnership gives Siemens the chance to extend its industrial leadership in electric drive technology into the automotive market together with a renowned vehicle manufacturer.