Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi and Google have joined hands for a technology partnership to embed the Android operating system in vehicles sold by the automotive alliance, starting 2021.
"With the integration of the Android platform into our infotainment systems, we are adding a new level of intelligence to our connected vehicles. In the future, Google Assistant, which employs Google's leading AI technology, can become the main way customers interact with their vehicles, hands-free. With Google Maps and Google Assistant embedded in Alliance infotainment systems, our customers will have some of the most advanced AI based applications at their fingertips,” said Kal Mos, Global Vice President of Alliance Connected Vehicles at Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi.
In 2017, the Alliance sold 10.6 million vehicles in 200 markets and is targeting increased sales of over 14 million units a year by the end of 2022. The plan also involves the launch of 12 new zero-emission electric vehicles, new autonomous-driving technologies and the ongoing rollout of the Alliance Intelligent Cloud.
The Alliance Intelligent Cloud will provide next-generation infotainment systems with secure connectivity by offering a platform to integrate data management, infotainment systems and to facilitate over-the- air upgrades and remote diagnostics in Alliance member-company vehicles.
According to Mos, all the Alliance member companies will have flexibility to create a unique customer interface and specific features on top of the common Android platform.
Drivers and passengers will be able to leverage Google and Android's capabilities to access an ecosystem that includes thousands of existing applications and an ever-expanding array of new apps. This integration will enable easy in-vehicle access to popular applications and the system will also be compatible with devices running other operating systems, such as Apple iOS.
"Google and Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi share a common vision of delivering an intelligent, safe and seamless in-car experience with apps and services that are familiar, upgradable and connected. We're thrilled to partner with Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi to bring Google Assistant, Google Maps, and other popular apps via the Play Store and Android to drivers and passengers around the world,” added Hiroshi Lockheimer, Senior Vice President of Platforms and Ecosystems at Google.
