Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi have tied their colours to the mast by announcing all cars from 2021 will have android operating systems as standard powering their infotainment.
Infotainment is becoming the next battleground. Microsoft tried its hand with Fiat but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have fast become the must-have bolt-ons. Now, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi have announced their cars will run infotainment powered by Google’s Android operating system. The roll-out will be in-market from 2021.
In a statement, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi said, “Under the technology partnership, vehicles sold by the Alliance members in many markets will utilize Android, the world’s most popular operating system, and will provide turn-by-turn navigation with Google Maps, access to a rich ecosystem of automotive apps on the Google Play Store and have the ability to answer calls and texts, control media, find information, and manage vehicle functions with voice using the built-in Google Assistant”.
But don’t expect the same look and feel across Nissan, Mitsubishi and Renault. Each brand will be allowed to create its own user interface and add extra features too. The Alliance was quick to add the systems would also work with Apple products.
Hadi Zablit, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, said, “Our partnership with Google will offer owners of our vehicles rich user experiences that are currently available only outside the vehicle or, to a limited extent, by connecting an Android device to supported vehicles. We are building powerful connected and seamless on-board / off-board experiences into our vehicles in addition to the features of Google applications and services that many users are accustomed to, including Google Maps, the Google Assistant and the Google Play Store.”
Hiroshi Lockheimer, Senior Vice President of Platforms & Ecosystems at Google, said, “Google and Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi share a common vision of delivering an intelligent, safe and seamless in-car experience with apps and services that are familiar, upgradable and connected. We’re thrilled to partner with Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi to bring the Google Assistant, Google Maps, and other popular apps via the Play Store and Android to drivers and passengers around the world.”
