Google has partnered with the French-Japenese auto alliance to install its Android operating system in the vehicles. The in-built system will enable customers to use applications, navigate using Google maps, and make the most of intelligent infotainment.
The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance members will be seen using the Alphabet Inc.’s software to provide turn-by-turn navigation with Google Maps, access to automotive apps available on Google Play Store. Also, the system will allow motorists to call, text, control media, search for information and even manage the vehicle functions using Google Assistant. The leading alliance, which noted sales more than any other automaker, will debut these vehicles in 2021. It is targeting increased sales of over 14 million units a year by the end of 2022.
Hadi Zablit, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, in an official statement, said,
Our partnership with Google will offer owners of our vehicles rich user experiences that are currently available only outside the vehicle or, to a limited extent, by connecting an Android device to supported vehicles.
What’s noteworthy is the fact that other automakers have been wary of such similar collaborations. This is mainly because the consumer data is susceptible to being tracked, especially when tech giant like Google is involved, which tracks users’ internet habits for revenue generation. The possibilities for which the data can be used are endless. Hence, the companies either come up with their own navigation systems or ink partnerships to offer connected services.
A slew of the Alliance vehicles will have the system embedded and each company flexibility to add its own set of features and customize the offered interface. The announcement says this collaboration will also comprise the release of 12 new zero-emission electric vehicles, new autonomous-driving technologies along with the ongoing rollout of the Alliance Intelligent Cloud.
Kal Mos, Global Vice President of Alliance Connected Vehicles at the Alliance said,
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, the Google Assistant, which employs Google’s leading AI technology, can become the main way customers interact with their vehicles, hands-free.
