Millions of Ford vehicles will run on Google’s Android operating system starting in 2023

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The Android operating system will allow drivers to access Google Maps for in-vehicle navigation and the Google Voice Assistant to manage voice commands in the car without the use of an Android phone. Ford vehicles come with the car’s proprietary timing system since 2007, which appears throughout their portfolio. It is unclear whether Ford will continue to use the Sync name in this new system.

Starting in 2023, Ford cars will also begin offering an in-car version of the Google Play Store to download music apps, audiobooks, and podcasts.

In addition, Google will also be Ford’s preferred provider for data storage in the cloud, Ford and Google executives said. Ford will also use Google’s data analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities to better interpret the data it collects from vehicles and its own operations to improve aspects such as customer service, manufacturing and marketing.

General Motors (GM) recently announced a similar agreement with Microsoft in which Microsoft will be the cloud storage provider for GM and Cruise, GM’s majority-owned autonomous vehicle company. Ford and Google did not specifically say whether Google’s cloud computing systems would be used for autonomous vehicles, as in the GM and Microsoft treaty.
As part of its partnership, Ford (F) i Google (GOOG) will create a group called Team Upshift that will collaborate in new ways in which companies can work together. Ford and Google executives imagine, for example, that the team will work on things like improving the online car shopping experience using customer data.

The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.

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This is Google’s first large-scale partnership with an automaker, although Volvo and its derivative Polestar electric vehicles use the Android operating system on some of their vehicles, with plans for more in the future.

User interfaces and car navigation systems have become critical for automotive customers, said Kristin Kolodge, executive director of interaction with JD Power drivers. Vehicle owners have become accustomed to the ease of use and customization they enjoy with their smartphones, he said. They often end up disappointed when their vehicles don’t get out.

“They’re looking for that extensive relationship,” he said. “For the vehicle to get to know them personally,” he said.

On newer models, such as the redesigned Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150, Ford vehicles can download “antenna” software updates, as smartphones can do, so customers don’t have to visit a dealership for software updates. This will also be true for vehicles with the new Android Auto operating system.

Drivers with Apple devices will continue to have access to Apple CarPlay so they can also use their phones through the car. Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant will also continue to offer vehicles for customers who prefer it.

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