Google is teaming up with the world’s largest auto group – Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance – to bring Android OS to cars. These companies ship the most number of cars globally every year and this partnership will enable Google to tap into that and have millions of cars running its Android operating system. Android will be behind the infotainment and navigation systems in these cars. The systems will enable drivers to access apps through the Play Store, access Google Assistant, and navigate using Google Maps.
The shift to Android OS for their in-car systems won’t be immediate, though. These branded cars won’t come with Android until 2021. The Alliance could be selling a lot more cars by then as it already sells more than 10 million units worldwide.
This partnership will also bring Google Assistant to cars, enabling drivers to control many features through voice commands. “In the future, the Google Assistant, which employs Google’s leading AI technology, can become the main way customers interact with their vehicles, hands-free,” said Kal Mos, the Global VP of connected vehicles at the Alliance.
Google’s Android OS won’t be getting exclusivity, though, as the in-car systems will remain capable of running other platforms such as Apple’s CarPlay. The options will remain open for these car manufacturers even they place a big bet on Google’s platform.