Audi and Google have confirmed earlier reports about their collaboration to bring Android to vehicles, but the agreement also includes GM, Honda, Hyundai and NVIDIA. Reunited under the name Open Automotive Alliance (OAA), the six companies announced at CES 2014 that they will join their forces to bring the Android platform to cars starting this year.
The open development model and common platform will allow automakers to bring new technology to their customers and create new opportunities for developers.
“The worlds of consumer and automotive technologies have never been more closely aligned, and this alliance will only pave the way for faster innovation,” said Ricky Hudi, Head of Electrics/Electronics Development at Audi AG. “Working toward a common ecosystems benefits driver safety above all,” he added.
“The expansion of the Android platform into automotive will allow our industry partners to more easily integrate mobile technology into cars and offer drivers a familiar, seamless experience so they can focus on the road,” said Sundar Pichai, SVP of Android, Chrome & Apps at Google.
OAA’s founding members say they share a vision for the connected car and that the introduction of the Android platform to cars “will help extend people’s mobile experience seamlessly to another platform they already know and love.”
The first cars with Android integration are expected to launch at the end of 2014, but each automaker has its own timeframe. OAA says other automotive technology companies are welcome to join as well.
By Dan Mihalascu
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