Stellantis and Foxconn Form Mobile Drive
After Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group finalized the merger and created the world’s 4th-largest automaker, Stellantis, there has been a lot of change. The days are numbered for several brands, and the automobile group is gearing towards more eco-friendly models. While that objective takes over a large amount of time and resources, with off-road automaker Jeep already leading the way, the automotive group is taking on a joint venture for another path. Recently announced, Stellantis and Taiwan’s Foxconn are working together to develop a jointly operated automotive supplier that will develop technology for future models, including connectivity, artificial intelligence-based applications, and 5G communications.
Foxconn is a name behind many devices used all over the world for many American, Canadian, Chinese, Finnish and Japanese companies, and have played a hand in developing the BlackBerry, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Kindle, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nokia devices, Xiaomi devices, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and several CPU sockets. The company manufactures about 40-percent of all consumer electronics in the world. Basically, this is no small fry Stellantis just signed a contract with.
“Customers today and, in the future, demand and expect ever-increasing software-driven and creative solutions to connect the drivers and passengers with the vehicle inside and out,’’ – Foxconn Chairman Young Liu
Today, think of the devices we use on a daily basis. The ancestors of the smartphones we used today are maybe a little over a decade old, and smart devices can be found in more households every day. With the many partnerships forming between big names in technology and auto manufacturers, we’re seeing a larger sense of interconnectedness. Several automakers are making use of Amazon Alexa and/or Google Home as a part of their infotainment system, like Jeep with the Jeep Cherokee to remotely start and stop the engine, lock and unlock doors, send commands directly to NAV-equipped models, and monitor vehicle vitals.
The joint venture between Stellantis and Foxconn is aimed at similar technologies, including infotainment, the integration of telecommunications and computer systems, artificial intelligence-based applications, 5G communications, e-commerce channels, and smart cockpit integration. Artificial intelligence would sure be something else, and e-commerce channels are something automakers have been discussing for the past few years, wanting to create cloud-based platforms that can let consumers know about special offers pertaining to their vehicle or interests in the surrounding area. Smart cockpit integration also sounds pretty fancy – this could be anything from biometric and facial recognition to start the car to cockpits that recess into the front of the car and allow for a more social atmosphere with Level 4 autonomy.
Called Mobile Drive, the joint venture is a 50-50 split between the two companies. The other side of the Stellantis coin is placing a greater focus on green vehicles. PSA Peugeot CEO Carlos Tavares is holding the controlling share of the automotive group, and to meet the strict carbon-emission regulations of the European Union, more models will need to either release hybrid versions or will be dropped to the wayside. What this means for the lineup is unsure, with Tavares giving certain brands a ten-year deadline. Those that survive will be getting all of the cool technology that will come from Stellantis and Foxconn. Keep up with all the cool tech when you follow us on Aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.