Millions of Ford vehicles will run on Google’s Android operating system from 2023

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With the Android operating system, drivers can access Google Maps for in-car navigation and Google’s Voice Assistant for handling voice commands in the car without the use of an Android phone. Ford vehicles have been supplied with the automaker’s patented synchronization system since 2007, which is used across the portfolio. It’s not clear whether Ford will continue to use the Sync name on this new system.

Starting in 2023, Ford cars will also start offering an in-car version of the Google Play Store to download apps for things like music, audiobooks and podcasts.

In addition, Google will also be Ford’s preferred provider for cloud data storage, Ford and Google executives said. Ford will also use Google’s artificial intelligence and data analytics capabilities to better interpret the data it collects from vehicles and its own operations to improve things like customer service, manufacturing and marketing.

General engines (GM) recently announced a similar agreement with Microsoft, whereby Microsoft will become the cloud storage provider for GM and Cruise, the autonomous automotive company majority-owned by GM. Ford and Google did not specifically say whether Google’s cloud computing systems would be used for autonomous vehicles, as in the GM and Microsoft deal.
As part of their partnership Ford (F.) and Google (GOOG) will create a group called Team Upshift that will collaborate on new ways for the companies to work together. For example, Ford and Google executives envision the team working on things like improving the online shopping experience for cars using customer data.

The companies have not disclosed the financial terms of the agreement.

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This is Google’s first full-scale partnership with a carmaker, although Volvo and its Polestar electric vehicle spin-off use the Android operating system in some of their vehicles, with plans for more in the future.

In-car user interfaces and navigation systems have become critical to automotive customers, said Kristin Kolodge, executive director of driver interaction at JD Power. Car owners have become accustomed to the kind of ease of use and personalization they like on their smartphones, she said. They are often disappointed when their vehicles fail to deliver.

“They are looking for a long term relationship,” she said. “So that the vehicle knows them personally,” she said.

In newer models, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the redesigned F-150, Ford vehicles can download software updates “wirelessly” like smartphones can, so customers don’t have to go to a dealer for software upgrades. This also applies to cars with the new Android Auto operating system.

Drivers with Apple devices can still access Apple CarPlay so they can use their phones in the car. Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant will also be offered in the vehicles to customers who prefer it.

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