TL;DR:
- Automakers are ramping up investments in software and related technologies.
- A survey reveals that only 25% of automakers and Tier 1 suppliers are fully prepared for software-defined vehicles.
- Stellantis and other manufacturers are partnering and acquiring to adapt to electric and autonomous vehicles.
- Stellantis acquires CloudMade’s AI capabilities for STLA SmartCockpit development.
- The technology enables predictive maintenance, personalized in-car experiences, a Stellantis-specific voice assistant, and more.
- Stellantis gains the ability to create custom machine-learning models with development kits.
Main AI News:
In the ever-evolving automotive landscape, the race for software supremacy intensifies. Automakers, realizing that vehicles are metamorphosing into rolling smartphones, are funneling investments into software and related technologies. However, a recent survey by AlixPartners delivers a stark revelation – only 1 in 4 automakers and Tier 1 suppliers feel adequately equipped for the imminent era of software-defined vehicles. Deloitte echoes this sentiment, highlighting that car manufacturers often lack the in-house capabilities to develop the required technology, necessitating collaborations with suppliers, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
To adapt to this software-centric future, Stellantis, among other automotive giants, is actively forging partnerships and acquisitions to reshape their product portfolios for the age of electric and autonomous vehicles. Earlier this year, Stellantis joined forces with Foxconn to jointly design and market semiconductors tailored for the automotive sector. Meanwhile, peers like Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. are undertaking corporate overhauls to bolster their software development and mobility service endeavors.
Now, Stellantis is bolstering its software prowess to harness the full potential of its burgeoning hardware capabilities.
Yves Bonnefont, Chief Software Officer at Stellantis, affirmed, “The acquisition of CloudMade’s pioneering AI capabilities will accelerate our development journey on STLA SmartCockpit. Thanks to this adaptable technology and our expanding connected car parc, we are poised to craft intelligent mobility solutions swiftly and flexibly, enhancing in-vehicle and mobile experiences for our customers.”
CloudMade’s technology infusion is set to enable Stellantis to offer an array of cutting-edge features, including predictive maintenance and diagnostics, personalized in-car experiences, a bespoke Stellantis voice assistant, an exclusive navigation system, fleet management tools, and more. Moreover, this acquisition will empower Stellantis to develop bespoke machine-learning models through dedicated development kits for its software engineers, as detailed in the press release.
Conclusion:
Stellantis’ acquisition of CloudMade’s AI technology underscores the automotive industry’s pivot towards software-driven vehicles. With an enhanced software arsenal, Stellantis is better positioned to deliver intelligent mobility solutions, catering to the evolving demands of the market for electric and autonomous vehicles. This move reflects a broader industry trend of collaboration and innovation to stay competitive in the rapidly changing automotive landscape.
