(Yicai Global) Oct. 27 -- Chinese smartphone maker Oppo Mobile Telecommunications today launched its smart cockpit solution, enabling vehicles to interact with intelligent devices, tech news site Lieyunwang reported.

Oppo Carlink is expected to be installed in more than 15 million cars next year, the report cited Wu Henggang, president of Oppo’s software engineering business, as telling the Oppo Developers Conference today.

Oppo Carlink is a set of system solutions that covers both software and hardware, Wu said. Like, for instance, installing digital car keys on mobile phones and controlling some of a cars’ functions with smartwatches. It will be used in both autos and electric bicycles.

Oppo Carlink will be open to partners, Wu said, adding that more than 70 manufacturers, including carmakers, e-bicycle producers, and travel service providers, are working with Oppo on the smart cockpit solution. Oppo will also initiate the Intelligent Car Connectivity Open Alliance with its partners, Wu revealed.

Many Chinese tech firms, including handset maker Xiaomi and search engine giant Baidu, have announced their entry into car-manufacturing this year. And rumors about Dongguan-based Oppo getting ready for vehicle production have also been circulating for a while, but have yet to be officially confirmed.

IT Times, citing people familiar with the matter, reported yesterday that Oppo will team up with its sister firm Vivo Communication Technology on car production, with Duan Yongping, the founder of the two companies, taking charge personally. The news, however, was denied by Duan himself on social media last night.

Oppo and Vivo were both born out of Guangdong-based electronics manufacturer BBK Electronics Group, which was founded by Duan in 1995. Duan has been the chairman of BBK Electronics since its inception.

Duan announced his retirement in 2001, but is still regarded as a key behind-the-scenes driver of Oppo and Vivo.

Editor: Peter Thomas