Stellantis and Amazon End SmartCockpit Collaboration
Stellantis and Amazon have confirmed that their collaboration on the SmartCockpit project is winding down. The decision, described as mutual, was made after a Reuters inquiry brought attention to the project’s status.
The SmartCockpit initiative, announced in January 2022, aimed to leverage Amazon’s technology and software expertise to enhance Stellantis’ vehicle development and in-vehicle experiences. The collaboration was intended to create a “symbiotic relationship” where Amazon would gain a new revenue stream through licensing fees from Stellantis, while Amazon would pay Stellantis an incentive fee for drivers signing up for Amazon’s music streaming service.
According to Seeking Alpha, the partnership was designed to bolster both companies’ vehicle-tech credentials. However, the project faced challenges, as traditional automakers often struggle to work with Silicon Valley companies to introduce sophisticated vehicle software.
While the SmartCockpit project is ending, Stellantis continues to utilize Amazon Web Services for data storage and updates across its vehicle lineup, as well as Alexa capabilities within its vehicles. These services remain available.
Stellantis has been seeking to enhance its software capabilities to compete with companies like Tesla and China’s BYD. The automaker has recently announced other software-related projects, including an expanded partnership with Mistral AI to develop an artificial intelligence-powered in-car assistant. This new project aims to create a “real-time, voice-enabled user manual” to help drivers with vehicle features, troubleshooting, and warning indicators.
The termination of the SmartCockpit project allows both Stellantis and Amazon to focus on solutions that better align with their evolving strategies and provide value to their shared customers.
