Tech giants are seeking to stay relevant in the auto industry, from chipping in on user experience and infotainment software, to developing cybersecurity and data protection products as vehicles become more connected and automated.
Microsoft Corp.'s and BlackBerry's latest announcements are just two examples of new efforts.
Microsoft used this week's Frankfurt auto show to highlight the software company's approach to working with the auto industry. The German show is centered on the future of mobility.
Though Microsoft has been interested in the "new automotive ecosystem" for some time, on Monday the company said it had recommitted itself to the industry through connected and autonomous vehicle offerings and smart mobility efforts.
It also introduced Microsoft for Startups: Autonomous Driving, a program intended to speed the growth of startups working on self-driving vehicles.
The application-based program seeks to further support startups in advancing automated driving technology, especially in delivery, ride-sharing and long-haul transit, according to Microsoft. Once accepted to the program, eligible startups will receive access to Microsoft engineers working in the AV field, early access to autonomous driving capabilities on Microsoft's Azure cloud service, plus co-development opportunities.
Microsoft's Connected Vehicle Platform was also highlighted in Monday's announcement. Automakers such as Volkswagen and the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance use the platform, which Microsoft says "combines advanced cloud and edge computing services with a strong partner network so automotive companies can build connected driving solutions."
Microsoft competitors Google and Apple have long been dominant players in the automotive market, particularly through infotainment services such as Google voice assistant, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Microsoft has found its niche in providing connected vehicle and cloud services for automakers.
BlackBerry's announcement last week on its expanded partnership with Jaguar Land Rover illustrates the Canadian company's renewed interest in the auto industry. Forming partnerships with automakers has proved to be a large part of the company's rebirth.
Software products from BlackBerry's automotive unit, Blackberry QNX, ranging from infotainment to wireless frameworks, can be found in vehicles from a number of automakers, including Audi, BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen.
The company also partners with Aptiv, Bosch, Denso and others.
The recent expansion with JLR includes using predictive software maintenance and cybersecurity threat protection through BlackBerry QNX and its newly acquired cybersecurity unit, BlackBerry Cylance.
BlackBerry Cybersecurity Consulting services for Jaguar Land Rover will also identify security vulnerabilities in connected and autonomous vehicles.
Kaivan Karimi, head of sales and marketing at BlackBerry Technology Solutions, told Automotive News this year that he foresees the company forging more partnerships with automakers and suppliers -- a move the industry has seen many tech companies successfully mirroring.
"Combining the two, bringing security and safety together on a single platform, we think we bring a great value proposition," he said.
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What you need to know
Cadillac's slow Super Cruise rollout Super Cruise, a Cadillac-exclusive system that GM introduced in 2017 as "the world's first true hands-free driver assistance feature for the freeway," has won praise from critics of similar technologies offered by Tesla and other brands. And notably, it hasn't been linked to any serious crashes. But the system will have been out for at least two and a half years by the time it moves beyond a single nameplate, the Cadillac CT6 sedan. Cadillac says Super Cruise will be available on the CT5 starting in 2020 and eventually will spread through the brand's lineup.
Scooter switch? Researchers found 48 percent of car trips in the most congested U.S. cities are less than three miles in total distance. If a small fraction of those were switched from cars to micromobility modes such as scooters and bicycles, cities could reap benefits in reduced congestion and improved air quality, the study said. Honolulu, New Orleans and Nashville are particularly suited for micromobility because they have the highest percentage of trips in the three-mile range among the top 25 U.S. markets.
Mercedes' electric, self-driving vision Mercedes is reaching deep in its engineering toolbox to showcase a concept of what a zero-emissions, self-driving luxury sedan could look like in the not-too-distant future. The Vision EQS, introduced Tuesday at the Frankfurt auto show, is based on a new scalable electric vehicle architecture internally called EVA2 that is fully versatile in wheelbase and track width to accommodate various vehicle concepts in varying sizes and shapes. It is expected to rival the Tesla Model S and to a lesser extent Porsche's new Taycan. The Vision EQS is propelled by an electric motor on each axle. Together they produce 350 kilowatts and 560 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle accelerates to 62 mph from a standstill in less than 4.5 seconds.
The Volkswagen ID3 is the first of what is expected to become scores of EVs that will share the German mass-market brand's global modular electric platform, known as MEB. With exterior dimensions and styling similar to the VW Golf, the ID3 will have a rear-mounted drive motor and come with one of three batteries: a base-level 45 kilowatt-hour battery with a range of up to 205 miles, a midlevel 58 kWh battery with a range of about 260 miles or a high-level 77 kWh battery with an expected range of up to 341 miles, all calculated under European testing standards.
Roundup
Volkswagen's EV push starts with the ID3 (but not in N. America).
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Ford says electrified vehicles will be the majority of European sales by the end of 2022, Reuters reports.
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Porsche disrupts itself with Taycan.
Nissan gives dealers a look at a compact crossover EV.
Automobili Pininfarina forms a partnership with suppliers to develop a luxury EV platform.
Geely backs German air taxi startup Volocopter, Reuters reports.
Hyundai Motor joins European EV charging venture Ionity.
Hyundai 45 concept uses retro styling to preview a tech future.
Spotting a fire truck ahead is easy for people, not so for cars.
Lear CEO Ray Scott was on the latest episode of Weekend Drive to talk about crafting new technology and attracting employees in a connected, electric, fast-moving auto industry.
Porsche raises its stake in EV supercar maker Rimac, Reuters reports.
VW replaces the head of its ride-hailing unit amid strategy discord, Bloomberg reports.
GM taps Google for in-vehicle apps and voice assistant starting in 2021.
Japan will let driverless cars roam freely ahead of the 2020 Olympics, Bloomberg reports.
Brain food
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Last mile
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