Extending the success of the Android™ ecosystem, which has seen over one
billion devices activated to date, a coalition of auto and technology
companies announced today a new industry alliance aimed at bringing the
Android platform to a device that’s always been mobile: the car.
Audi, GM, Google, Honda, Hyundai and NVIDIA have joined together to form
the Open Automotive Alliance™ (OAA), a global alliance of technology and
auto industry leaders committed to bringing the Android platform to cars
starting in 2014. The OAA is dedicated to a common platform that will
drive innovation, and make technology in the car safer and more
intuitive for everyone.
The OAA is aimed at accelerating auto innovation with an approach that
offers openness, customization and scale, key tenets that have already
made Android a familiar part of millions of people’s lives. This open
development model and common platform will allow automakers to more
easily bring cutting-edge technology to their drivers, and create new
opportunities for developers to deliver powerful experiences for drivers
and passengers in a safe and scalable way.
“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.”
”Partnering with Google and the OAA on an ecosystem that spans across
vehicles and handheld mobile devices furthers our mission to bring
vehicles into our owners digital lives and their digital lives into
their vehicles,” said Mary Chan, President of General Motors’ Global
Connected Consumer unit. “We see huge opportunities for the Android
platform paired with OnStar 4G LTE connectivity in future Chevrolet,
Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles.”
"Millions of people are already familiar with Android and use it
everyday," said Sundar Pichai, SVP of Android, Chrome & Apps at Google.
"The expansion of the Android platform into automotive will allow our
industry partners to more easily integrate mobile technology into cars
and offer drivers a familiar, seamless experience so they can focus on
the road."
"We are very pleased to join this alliance with Google as a founding
member because Honda is committed to providing the very best
connected-car experience to our customers," said Yoshiharu Yamamoto,
president, CEO and director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. "The Honda team is
looking forward to collaborating with Google and all OAA members to help
advance the safety, value and ease of use of connected-car technologies."
"Through the OAA, our customers using Android devices will soon be able
to enjoy the continuous user experience in their Hyundai and Kia
vehicles,” said Dr. Woong-Chul Yang, Vice Chairman of R&D, Hyundai Motor
Group. “By introducing the latest IT technologies safely and securely
throughout our full range of vehicles, we continually strive to provide
the highest levels of convenience and enhance the in-vehicle experience."
"The car is the ultimate mobile computer. With onboard supercomputing
chips, futuristic cars of our dreams will no longer be science fiction,"
said Jen-Hsun Huang, president and chief executive officer, NVIDIA. "The
OAA will enable the car industry to bring these amazing cars to market
faster."
OAA members share a vision for the connected car, and bringing these
open standards of innovation to the market will help extend people’s
mobile experience seamlessly to another platform they already know and
love. Timing from each automaker will vary, but you can expect to see
the first cars with Android integration by the end of this year. The OAA
invites other automotive technology companies to join in this endeavor.
Learn more at openautoalliance.net
About the Audi Group
In 2012, the Audi Group (www.audi.com)
delivered 1,455,123 cars of the Audi brand to its customers, generated
revenue of €48.8 billion and achieved an operating profit of €5.4
billion. The Audi Group is globally present in more than 100 markets and
currently employs more than 70,000 people worldwide, including around
50,000 in Germany. Total investment of approximately €11 billion is
planned by 2015 – mainly in new products and sustainable technologies.
Audi lives up to its corporate responsibility and has strategically
established the principle of sustainability for its products and
processes. The long-term goal is CO2-neutral mobility.
About General Motors Co.
General Motors Co. (www.gm.com,
NYSE: GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries,
and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and
fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint
venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun,
Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More
information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a
global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can
be found at www.gm.com
About Google, Inc.
Google (www.google.com)
is a global technology leader focused on improving the ways people
connect with information. Google’s innovations in web search and
advertising have made its website a top Internet property and its brand
one of the most recognized in the world. Google is a trademark of Google
Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the
respective companies with which they are associated.
About Honda Motor Co.
Honda (www.honda.com)
offers a complete lineup of cars and trucks through a network of more
than 1,000 dealerships in the United States. Honda has more than 30
years of experience producing automobiles in the region, which began
with the Accord in Marysville, Ohio, in November 1982. Having produced
more than 25 million vehicles in North America through 2012 using
domestic and globally sourced parts, Honda currently operates 14 major
manufacturing facilities in North America, producing a wide range of
Honda automobiles, all-terrain vehicles, power equipment products,
engines and transmissions.
About Hyundai Motor Group
The Hyundai Motor Group (www.hyundaimotorgroup.com)
consists of more than fifty automotive-related subsidiaries and
affiliates led by South Korea’s two largest automakers - Hyundai Motor
Company and Kia Motors Corporation. In 2013, the two companies together
sold 7.56 million vehicles produced at 31 plants in nine countries. As
two of the world's fastest growing automotive brands, Hyundai and Kia
are committed to providing top quality products and experiences that go
beyond customers’ expectations. Together, Hyundai and Kia serve as the
official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA
World Cup™.
About NVIDIA Corporation
Since 1993, NVIDIA (www.nvidia.com,
NASDAQ: NVDA) has pioneered the art and science of visual computing. The
company's technologies are transforming a world of displays into a world
of interactive discovery -- for everyone from gamers to scientists, and
consumers to enterprise customers.
Copyright Business Wire 2014