Mercedes-Benz Joins Android’s Open Automotive Alliance

German automotive brand Mercedes-Benz has joined the Open Automotive Alliance, a partnership of automotive and technology firms aimed at introducing Android software into automobiles and furthering the development of the connected car.

The induction of Daimler-owned Mercedes-Benz marks a closer relationship between the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA) and the consortium of car manufacturers who purchased Nokia’s Here mapping software back in August 2015 for the purposes of accelerating the creation of the self-driving car. Audi, another member of the consortium, was one of the founders of the OAA, alongside Honda, Hyundai and General Motors, while BMW, the third member, has yet to join.

The OAA was announced in January 2014, and represented a joint venture between car manufacturers and tech firms including Google and Nvidia. It expanded considerable in June 2014, bringing on automotive brands including Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, Volkswagen and Renault, as well as tech firms such as LG, Panasonic and JVC Kenwood.

Neither the OAA nor Mercedes-Benz has made an announcement regarding its induction, but the brand’s logo and name now appear on the OAA website. There have been rumours about Mercedes-Benz being in talk with Google for several months, although the carmaker was reportedly unhappy with the amount of information it was expected to share with the search giant.

Until recently, Mercedes-Benz was an Apple Carplay partner, so time will tell if that will change in the wake of its new alliance with Apple’s major rival for in-car mobile connectivity.

Source: Mobile Marketing Magazine

  Android, Automobile, Cars, Digital, Mercedes-Benz, Mobile, Nokia, OAA, Open Automotive Alliance, Self-Driving Car, Technology