Stellantis Ends Partnership with Amazon, Paving the Way for Android | Carscoops

      Stellantis and Amazon have discontinued their collaboration on the interior software platform intended to link vehicles with the Amazon ecosystem.

      The SmartCockpit project aimed to provide integration with Alexa and Amazon services, but it is now being phased out. As a result, Stellantis is reassessing its strategy for in-car technology moving forward.

      The company may transition to Android-based systems for its future in-car technology offerings.

      In 2022, Stellantis and Amazon formed a partnership that would enable the carmaker’s ‘SmartCockpit’ system to utilize Amazon’s in-car technology. However, just over three years later, the project is now “winding down.” Despite this, both companies have stated they will continue to collaborate on other projects.

      Initially, the partnership appeared promising. By leveraging Amazon’s technology, Stellantis aimed to deliver a software package connected to the Amazon ecosystem, which included an Alexa-enabled voice assistant and an e-commerce platform, allowing drivers to interact with Amazon devices in their homes, such as remotely turning on lights.

      It was anticipated that the first Stellantis vehicles equipped with SmartCockpit would be launched in late 2024 or early 2025. Stellantis was set to compensate Amazon for software access in each vehicle, while Amazon would provide Stellantis incentive fees for drivers subscribing to its services through their cars, such as Amazon Music. This data was to be stored via Amazon Web Services.

      A Reuters investigation revealed the unraveling of the project, but the reason for the partnership's conclusion remains unclear. Both companies stated that the cancellation would enable each team to concentrate on solutions that deliver value to their mutual customers and better align with their evolving strategies, while they will continue collaborating on various initiatives.

      Although Stellantis and Amazon will no longer work together on SmartCockpit, Stellantis will still utilize Amazon Web Services. Furthermore, Alexa will remain functional in some existing vehicles. Sources indicate that Stellantis may shift its SmartCockpit to be based on the Android operating system.

      When the partnership was initially announced, Stellantis's then-CEO Carlos Tavares remarked that it would transform the brand’s vehicles into “the most wanted, most captivating place to be, even when not driving.”