Google automotive alliance targets Android-compatible cars in 2014

Google has formed a new industry alliance committed to bringing the tech giant’s Android operating platform to cars by the end of 2014.

Dubbed the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA) and comprising Audi, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai and US technology company Nvidia, the group says it is dedicated to driving innovation and vehicle safety via a more intuitive common platform.

Aimed at having an open development model intended to allow car makers to bring “cutting-edge technology” to vehicle owners faster and more easily, the OAA says it will also create new opportunities for developers to deliver safe and scalable systems to users.

Senior vice president of Android, Chrome and Apps at Google, Sundar Pichai, says the expansion of the Android platform into vehicles will not only allow alliance partners to more easily integrate mobile technology into their cars but also offer drivers “a familiar, seamless experience so they can focus on the road”.

The OAA says timing from each manufacturer will vary, “but you can expect to see the first cars with Android integration by the end of this year”.

The alliance is inviting other automotive technology companies to join its “endeavour”.

It’s not yet clear if the new alliance will impact on Honda, GM and Hyundai’s existing relationship with Google arch-rival Apple and its Siri Eyes Free program.

The formation of the alliance also goes to explaining Hyundai’s recent announcement that the all-new Genesis sedan – tipped to reach local shores in July – will debut a new, cloud-based technology platform called Blue Link Glassware, capable of linking to Google Glass.

Google is late to the in-car technology war, with Apple’s Siri and the Microsoft-designed Sync app already making their way into vehicles from the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Ford.