The Alliance joins Google: Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi commit to using Android Auto

The Alliance brands (Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi) have reached a technology collaboration agreement with Google to use Android as the operating system to offer new intelligent infotainment services and service applications across their different ranges from 2021 onwards.

Within the Alliance 2022 programme, under which the launch of 12 new 100 percent electric models is planned, along with the development of new autonomous driving technologies and the creation of an exclusive intelligent cloud for the Alliance (Alliance Intelligent Cloud), the Alliance brands will integrate Google services and applications into the infotainment systems of their vehicles, improving the on-board experience for all passengers.

The new intelligent cloud platform of the Alliance (Alliance Intelligent Cloud) will offer the Alliance vehicles equipped with state-of-the-art connectivity systems a whole new world of on-board infotainment services, rapid and constant updates, remote diagnostics of vehicle status, data management services, and direct access to applications such as Google Maps, Google Play Store or Google Assistant (voice control). All of this in an environment compatible with other management systems (Apple iOS), and with the possibility for each driver to propose their own interface and exclusive functionalities based on Google’s common platform.

According to Hiroshi Lockheimer, Google’s Vice President of Platforms and Ecosystems, “Renault-Nissan and Mitsubishi share with Google a common commitment to providing a fully secure, intelligent on-board experience that maintains continuity with familiar, evolving and connected applications and services. We are pleased to work with Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi to bring the benefits of Google Assistant, Google Maps and other familiar applications through Play Store and Android to motorists around the world.”

Present in almost 200 markets worldwide, the cumulative global sales of the brands in the Alliance Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi currently exceed 10.6 million units per year. The Franco-Japanese car alliance expects to reach registrations of more than 14 million units in 2022.

For Karl Mos, Director of Connected Vehicles at the Alliance, “Thanks to the integration of the Android platform into our infotainment systems, our vehicles will be more connected and smarter… and will have an open and secure ecosystem of Android applications specially designed for use in the vehicle.”