Google Cloud and leading technology company Continental have joined forces in an exciting partnership aimed at redefining the automotive industry with cutting-edge digital solutions.
This groundbreaking collaboration will leverage Continental’s deep expertise in automotive technology and Google’s formidable prowess in data and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to usher in a new era of safe, efficient, and user-centric automotive innovations. Beyond their immediate goals, both companies envision expanding their strategic partnership into various other realms of cooperation, with a shared mission to enhance in-car connectivity and experiences for customers.
One of the initial major benefits for consumers resulting from this partnership is the integration of Google Cloud’s Conversational AI technologies into Continental’s Smart Cockpit High-Performance Computer (HPC) solution, operating on Android Automotive OS (AAOS). This integration was unveiled at the IAA MOBILITY 2023 event in Munich, Germany, and promises to redefine the capabilities of automotive voice assistants. These innovations will empower passengers to interact with their vehicles using natural language, thanks to advanced generative AI.
Continental’s Smart Cockpit HPC is designed to provide adaptable system performance for a pre-integrated set of functions. It boasts swift response times and an intuitive user interface. The inclusion of pre-integrated functions for cluster, infotainment, and visual driver assistance is anticipated to streamline costs and accelerate the introduction of new vehicles and experiences into the market.
Philipp von Hirschheydt, Continental Executive Board member and head of the Automotive group sector, stated, “By working with Google Cloud, we can accelerate our innovation and enhance our solutions for the software-defined vehicle. This collaboration will help our customers to reduce costs, improve efficiency, flexibility, and increase value for all.”
Behshad Behzadi, VP Engineering Google Cloud GenAI, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “Our partnership with Continental has great potential, and we’re very much looking forward to the collaboration. Together with Continental, we will be able to bring our Conversational AI technologies to vehicles, making it easier and faster for automotive companies to leverage Generative AI to create new passenger experiences in cars.”
Daniel Holz, VP EMEA North at Google Cloud, added, “We are excited to partner with Continental. This partnership will enable us to bring our expertise in software, AI, and cloud computing to the automotive industry. Together, we can create a new generation of connected automotive solutions that are not just convenient but help deliver more safety and a better travel experience for passengers.”
The Continental-Google Cloud partnership marks a significant stride forward in the evolution of the automotive industry, offering benefits that include:
Accelerated Innovation: Collaborative efforts will result in the development of safer, more efficient, and highly connected automotive solutions.
Reduced Costs: Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) will benefit from streamlined operations, reduced complexity, shorter development times, and faster product launches.
Improved User Experience: The solutions arising from this partnership promise to enhance the overall driving and passenger experience.
Founded in 1871, Continental is a global leader in providing solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic, and transportation. In 2022, the company achieved sales of €39.4 billion and employs 200,000 individuals across 57 countries and markets.
