The ‘SmartCockpit’ project — which joined Stellantis‘ vehicles and Amazon‘s in-car technology — is “winding down”, according to a Reuters report on Wednesday.
The project was announced in 2022, and the companies committed to develop software for the infotainment systems on Stellantis vehicles launching from 2024.
It would use Amazon‘s Alexa technology for voice controlled features and would be seen as an extension of the home system, by recognizing the driver and automatically personalizing settings — like the thermostat, seat position, and navigation preferences.
The decision to end the project was “mutual,” according to a joint statement by the two companies, with Stellantis adding that it “remains a valuable partner for Amazon and the companies continue to work together on a range of initiatives.”
The companies said the shift “will allow each team to focus on solutions that provide value to our shared customers and better align with our evolving strategies,” with no particular reason being given as to the end of the collaboration.
Software has become a major issue for most American and European automakers.
While EV makers like Tesla or Rivian develop their own software in-house, most traditional brands have been partnering with Apple and Google allowing them to deploy a faster, cheaper solution to its customers.
Besides the ‘SmartCockpit’ project, Reuters had reported in late April that Ford abandoned its project to built a “fully networked vehicle.”
Rivian has been developing its software in-house, with its team committed to rolling out consistent updates — which hasn’t exempted the company from criticism for how it handles bug fixes.
About a year ago, Volkswagen agreed to invest $5.8 billion in the Irvine-based EV maker as it provides the German group’s vehicles with next-generation EV architecture and software.
According to Rivian’s software chief Wassym Bensaid, VW’s hardware complexity — “different seats, different doors, different lights, different sensors, different cameras in the different vehicles” — can be mitigated “by moving it to software.”
Last year, CEO RJ Scaringe said that Rivian will not integrate Apple CarPlay into its vehicles. “As much as I love their products, there’s a reason that ironically aligns with Apple’s own ethos — our desire to control the entire ecosystem.”
Apple CarPlay, the tech company’s infotainment system, is available in over 800 vehicle models, including models from U.S. EV maker Lucid Motors and Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) brands Polestar, BYD, Chery, Lynk&Co and Zeekr.
In mid-May, the company debuted its next-generation operating system. The CarPlay Ultra introduces iPhone-powered widgets that adapt to the car’s screen or gauge cluster, offering at-a-glance information.
The system was initially unveiled in mid-2022 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) event.
Last week, Google unveiled the latest version of its Android Automotive OS, using the fully electric seven-seater Volvo EX90 as an example. The AI assistant Gemini will be featured on Volvo Cars’ vehicles “later this year.”
Volvo‘s partnership with Google was first announced in May 2017. In 2021, it was “the first carmaker to introduce cars with an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS with Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play built-in.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Stellantis announced that Antonio Filosa will replace Carlos Tavares in the role of CEO, after the former resigned in late 2024.
The group issued an annual profit warning in September 2024, amid weaker sales and mounting inventory in its North American markets. Stellantis‘ U.S.-listed shares of the company plunged nearly 52% over the past twelve months.
