Ford and Google: Broad cooperation for connected vehicle services

The US automotive manufacturer Ford and the US online giant Google have announced a strategic partnership. This aims to accelerate the transformation of the automotive manufacturer and make the connected vehicle an experience for customers, it is said. The manufacturer is relying on Google Cloud as the preferred provider. Ford believes it can benefit from Google's leading expertise in data, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). As part of the six-year collaboration, starting in 2023, the automaker will equip future vehicles of the Ford and Lincoln brands in all segments with the Android operating system as well as Google apps and services.

To coordinate the process, Ford and Google are establishing a working group that will drive the automaker's evolution towards a mobility provider, create personalized customer offerings, and unlock new data-based potentials. The range of possibilities extends from new purchase experiences at the brand's dealerships to advanced services for vehicle owners and more, it is said somewhat nebulously.

"With the focus areas of electrification, connectivity, and autonomous driving, Ford is driving the most profound transformation in our company's history," emphasizes Jim Farley, President and CEO of the Ford Motor Company. 

"From the introduction of assembly line production to the latest driver assistance technologies, Ford has set the pace of innovation in the automotive industry for nearly 120 years," argues Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet. The cooperation leverages the best of AI, data analytics, computing, and cloud platforms to transform Ford's business and develop new automotive technologies that enable people to travel safely and stay connected, according to Pichai.

Use of Google Cloud

With the help of Google Cloud, Ford plans to offer customers more attractive and personalized services and aims to further optimize product development, manufacturing, and supply chain management. For example, AI technologies are used for the training of employees in manufacturing areas as well as to improve the performance and reliability of production facilities. In addition, the implementation of data-driven business models is to be accelerated, such as maintenance information or real-time offers.

Updates over the Air and Google Building Blocks

The vision is to create a "pleasant, safe, and efficient experience in connected vehicles that minimizes driver distraction and keeps the cars up to date with the latest technology via over-the-air updates." Accordingly, starting in 2023, Ford and Lincoln vehicles using the Android operating system and featuring integrated Google apps and services will offer customers worldwide special digital functions such as map and voice technologies via Google Assistant voice control or Google Maps including real-time traffic information, automatic offering of effective alternative routes to avoid traffic jams, as well as lane guidance at traffic junctions. Google Play is responsible for entertainment and apps. The Android platform also offers Ford and third parties the opportunity to develop additional apps for increasingly improved and more personalized vehicle use, hopes Detroit.

"We are almost obsessed with creating modern products and interesting services that excite our customers. This integration will further inspire our teams' creativity to develop innovations for Ford and Lincoln customers and facilitate seamless access to Google's first-class apps and services," says Jim Farley enthusiastically.