Citing improved driver safety along with the chance to bring consumers’ digital lives into their cars, major auto companies and technology companies announced on January 6 the formation of the Open Automotive Alliance.
Audi, GM, Google, Honda, Hyundai and NVIDIA formed the organizaion to create an “open development model and common platform that will allow automakers to more easily bring cutting-edge technology to their drivers.”
“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.”
Bringing the Android ecosystem, which has seen over one billion devices activated to date, is important to an industry that is pushing to be in step with technological advancements.
“We see huge opportunities for the Android platform paired with OnStar 4G LTE connectivity in future Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles,” said Mary Chan, president of General Motors’ Global Connected Consumer unit.
Timing from each automaker will vary, but it is expected that consumers will see the first cars with Android integration by the end of this year.
"The car is the ultimate mobile computer," said Jen-Hsun Huang, chief executive officer, NVIDIA. "With onboard supercomputing chips, futuristic cars of our dreams will no longer be science fiction. "
