Tech giant Google and automaker Ford have announced a first-of-its-kind partnership under which Ford vehicles will be powered by Android Auto from 2023. In the announcement, Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian said that the partnership “promises to transform both Ford and the auto industry.”
David McClelland, Vice President for Strategy and Partnerships at Ford said that “the relationship between Google and Ford will establish an innovation powerhouse. He further added that “it will accelerate the modernization of our business and Ford, and most importantly, it will let us exceed our customer’s expectations.”
It is a six-year partnership in which Ford identifies Google as its preferred cloud provider and starting from 2023, millions of Ford and Lincoln vehicles will be running the Android Auto, having support for Google apps, including Assistant and Maps embedded into the infotainment system. However, the company will continue to support Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa functionality moving forward, enabling compatibility with Apple iPhone owners.
The companies will also form a Team Upshift that will work to “push the boundaries of modernization, unlocking personalized customer experiences, and driving disruptive data-driven opportunities. For example, we’ll create new retail experiences for customers when buying a vehicle.”
The Team Uplift will be working with third-party app makers to develop additional driver-facing and infotainment services for Ford’s Android-powered vehicles. However, David McClelland clarified that no personal data collected from drivers will be made available to third-party developers.
