Ford and Google Teaming Up on Connected Vehicle Technologies

By Stephen Nakrosis

Ford Motor Co. and Google on Monday said they would team up to provide connected vehicle technology in future Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

The two companies said beginning in 2023, millions of Ford and Lincoln vehicles will use the Android operating system and feature Google apps and services, including Google Assist, Google Maps and Google Play.

The companies also said using the Android in vehicles will let Ford and third-party developers build apps to "provide a constantly improving and ever-more-personalized ownership experience."

According to the companies, Ford named Google Cloud its preferred cloud provider and the two established a new collaborative group, Team Upshift.

"Leveraging the talent and assets of both companies, Team Upshift will push the boundaries of Ford's transformation, unlock personalized consumer experiences, and drive disruptive, data-driven opportunities," the companies said. "This may include projects ranging from developing new retail experiences when buying a vehicle, creating new ownership offers based on data, and more."

Write to Stephen Nakrosis at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 01, 2021 12:12 ET (17:12 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2021 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.