Car News

Mercedes and VW to halt Google in-car data grab

Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz have announced they will develop independent data platforms to ensure Google can’t access customer in-car data.

VOLKSWAGEN GROUP and Mercedes-Benz have announced both brands will be building separate data platforms in their cars to avoid handing over customer information to Google. Both car makers have called on the rest of the auto industry to do the same.

As consumers begin to expect a more seamless experience when connecting to their cars, car makers are building in more internet-ability. Many are making their cars compatible with both Google’s Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay, the new Volvo XC90 is a perfect example of a car that offers connection with both systems.

“We seek connection to Google’s data systems but we still want to be the masters of our own cars,” VW Group CEO Martin Winterkorn said at an industry conference in Germany last Thursday. “Potential conflict arises around making data available.”

“Google tries to accompany people throughout their day, to generate data and then use that data for economic gain,” said Zetsche. “It’s at that point where a conflict with Google seems pre-programmed. That’s where we need to negotiate.”

“It’s very good” that carmakers begin discussing their own systems for processing and storing car data to avoid becoming dependent on “third parties,” Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said, speaking alongside Winterkorn in a discussion at the event. “That’ll boost our position when working with Google.”


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Isaac Bober

Isaac Bober