Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) and ACCESS CO. have announced a partnership to make Viacom’s TV brands accessible to vehicle passengers via ACCESS Twine for Car (Twine4Car) in Germany. Under the terms of the deal, ACCESS is acquiring the rights to make linear feeds of MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon available in German language for integration into in-car infotainment systems being developed by German car manufacturers. The channels available via ACCESS’ Twine4Car service will be a simulcast of the linear TV networks that VIMN makes available free-to-air in Germany, featuring the same content and advertising.
Twine4Car is a flexible multimedia content service for automotive manufacturers that includes software components, video and audio content rights and consulting expertise. It has been developed to bridge the gap between the automotive and content industries and increase the safety, comfort and flexibility of content consumption for drivers and passengers in the unique in-car environment.
The ACCESS Twine for Car 2.0 solution, which was launched at CES 2019, combines content with a refreshed, expandable human-machine/user interface (HMI/UI). It includes an aggregated in-car Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) for both Android and Linux.
“Viacom believes in-car entertainment is an exciting new frontier for the video industries, with the next generation of mobile network technology ushering in a new era of connected vehicles and immersive entertainment experiences on-the-go,” declares Raffaele Annecchino, President and Managing Director of VIMN Southern and Western Europe, Middle East and Africa. “This deal is the first of its kind for Viacom and I’m really excited by its potential to showcase our ability to offer entertainment experiences that can deeply engage passengers of all ages.”
Dr Neale Foster, CEO at ACCESS Europe, says: “The automotive industry faces unprecedented opportunities and challenges. By bringing content and brands from Viacom to Twine4Car we are enabling car manufacturers to provide unique entertainment experiences that will deepen their relationships with car users. I’m excited to unite the media and automotive industries by working with Viacom International Media Networks GSA and look forward to this redefining the next generation of compelling in-car services for both drivers and passengers.”
