From 2023 Ford will use Google Assistant and native app support like Google Maps and the Play Store to support its on-board systems. Ford will use Google Cloud to leverage Google’s expertise in data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. This integration should allow for fast over-the-air updates and improved on-board tech. So far Volvo, Polestar and now Ford are manufacturing cars using the Android infotainment system.
The ability of Google to analyse data from 60 million new cars a year globally should help Ford maximise its competitive edge.
Under this new marriage, named Team Upshift, Ford and Google will share talent, assets, and knowledge. Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has a self-driving subsidiary known as Waymo, and working with Ford will help them improve and eventually bring the futuristic technology to the mainstream.
Leveraging the talent and assets of both companies, Team Upshift will push the boundaries of Ford’s transformation, unlock personalised consumer experiences, and drive disruptive, data-driven opportunities. This may include projects ranging from developing new retail experiences when buying a vehicle, creating new ownership offers based on data, and more.
“As Ford continues the most profound transformation in our history with electrification, connectivity and self-driving, Google and Ford coming together establishes an innovation powerhouse truly able to deliver a superior experience for our customers and modernize our business,” said Jim Farley, President and CEO of Ford.
“From the first moving assembly line to the latest driver-assist technology, Ford has set the pace of innovation for the automotive industry for nearly 120 years,” said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet. “We’re proud to partner to apply the best of Google’s AI, data analytics, compute and cloud platforms to help transform Ford’s business and build automotive technologies that keep people safe and connected on the road.”
Using Android in their cars also enables Ford and third-party developers to build apps that provide a constantly improving and ever-more-personalised ownership experience.
“We are obsessed with creating must-have, distinctively Ford products and services,” said Farley. “This integration will unleash our teams to innovate for Ford and Lincoln customers while seamlessly providing access to Google’s world-class apps and services.”