Millions of Ford vehicles will be used on Google’s Android operating system from 2023

Millions of Ford vehicles will be used on Google’s Android operating system from 2023

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Android operating system allows drivers to access Google Maps for in-vehicle navigation and Google’s Voice Assistant for handling voice commands in the car without using an Android phone. Ford vehicles have been coming up with the carmaker’s own Sync system since 2007, which appears in its portfolio. It is not clear whether Ford will continue to use the Sync name on this new system.

Starting in 2023, Ford Cars will also start offering a version of the Google Play Store in the car to download apps for music, audiobooks and podcasts.

In addition, Google will also be Ford’s preferred provider for cloud data storage, say Ford and Google executives. Ford will also use Google’s artificial intelligence and data analytics capabilities to better interpret the data it collects from vehicles and its own operations to improve things like customer service, manufacturing and marketing.

General Motors (GM) recently announced a similar agreement with Microsoft in which Microsoft will be the cloud storage provider for GM and Cruise, the autonomous automotive company most owned by GM. Ford and Google did not specifically say whether Google’s cloud computing systems would be used for autonomous vehicles, as in the GM and Microsoft agreement.
As part of their partnership, Ford (F) and Google (GOOG) will create a group called Team Upshift that will collaborate on new ways in which businesses can collaborate. For example, Ford and Google executives envision that the team will work on things like enhancing the online shopping experience using customer data.

The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the agreement.

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This is Google’s first large-scale partnership with a carmaker, although Volvo and its Polestar electric vehicle use the Android operating system in some of their vehicles, with plans for more in the future.

User interfaces and in-car navigation systems have become critical for in-car customers, said Kristin Kolodge, executive director of driver interaction at JD Power. Car owners have become accustomed to the kind of ease of use and costume they enjoy on their smartphones, she said. They are often disappointed when their vehicles do not deliver it.

“They are looking for this extended relationship,” she said. “For the vehicle to know them personally,” she said.

In newer models, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the redesigned F-150, Ford vehicles can download software updates “over the air”, such as smartphones, so that customers do not have to visit a software upgrade dealer. This will also apply to vehicles with the new Android Auto operating system.

Drivers with Apple devices still have access to Apple CarPlay, so they can also use their phones through the car. Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant will also continue to be offered in the vehicles for customers who prefer it.

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