Stellantis and Amazon’s ambitious partnership to develop a suite of software for millions of cars is coming to an end, according to a recent report. The partnership, announced in January 2022, was touted as a way for Stellantis to ‘accelerate its shift to becoming a sustainable mobility tech company.’ The software, called SmartCockpit, was designed to integrate Amazon’s Alexa technology, artificial intelligence, and cloud solutions to create a seamless digital experience for drivers.
Key Features of SmartCockpit
The SmartCockpit system was supposed to include a range of innovative features, such as:
- A family trip planner that recommended media content, points of interest, and restaurants
- A digital off-road coach for Jeep models to help navigate difficult trails
- An e-commerce marketplace and payment service
- Alexa connectivity to control connected home devices from behind the wheel
Why the Partnership Ended
While the exact reasons for the partnership’s demise are unclear, the companies issued a joint statement saying that parting ways ‘will allow each team to focus on solutions that provide value to our shared customers and better align with our evolving strategies.’ This vague statement has raised more questions than answers about the future of the project.
What’s Next for Stellantis?
Despite the split, Stellantis remains committed to developing its in-car software capabilities. Executives are reportedly open to enlisting the help of Google’s Android platform to bring the technology to market. Meanwhile, Amazon’s Digital Cabin staff has largely been reassigned or let go, suggesting that the company is scaling back its ambitions in this area.
The shift in Stellantis’ strategy highlights the challenges automakers face in developing cutting-edge digital experiences for their customers. As the industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Stellantis will balance its software development efforts with the need to deliver innovative features to its customers.
