Ford and Google sign six-year deal for in-car connectivity and cloud services
Summary
Despite automakers like Ford spending significant capital to develop such systems, consumers have moved toward using Googles Android Auto or Apples CarPlay programs while driving, according to industry groups such a J.D. Fords largest crosstown rival, General Motors, announced a deal in 2019 to integrate Googles voice assistant and app ecosystem into its vehicles beginning this year. Employees from both companies will be part of a new group called Team UpShift, which will use Googles services and data expertise to better streamline Fords operations and create a more seamless experience for customers, Farley said. Farley compared the companys opportunity to retain customers through in-car connectivity to cellphone providers and services such as Amazon Prime becoming so integrated in peoples lives that they remain with a certain brand or product. Last year when Google announced a deal with Activision Blizzard, it also said Google-owned YouTube was becoming the game developers exclusive venue for streaming esports events.