Ford, Google team up to deliver cloud-based data services

With an aim to develop new consumer services and modernize internal operations, Ford Motor and Google are working on a six-year partnership as the automaker seeks software, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing from Alphabet Inc.

Ford is planning to integrate the tech giant’s Android operating system into its Ford and Lincoln vehicles starting in 2023. According to the merging firms, the automaker will offer its customers built-in Google apps, including its map and voice technology. It will also utilize Google artificial intelligence technology to improve the efficiency of vehicle development, supply chain, and manufacturing operations,

Ford’s Vice President for strategy, David McClelland clarified, however, that Ford customer data will not be handed over to Google or Google advertisers.

The team-up between Ford and Google shows increasing pressure on carmakers to bolster software and data-enabled services that can either generate revenue or cut expenditures.