Global automaker Stellantis has joined ranks with US semiconductor major Qualcomm in a multiyear deal to use its next-generation connected-car technology in its vehicle lineup, the companies said.
Fourteen Stellantis brands, including Peugeot, Fiat, and Jeep, will use Qualcomm's vehicle cockpit and 5G telematics technology starting in 2024 with the Maserati brand being the first out the gate, said the companies, which did not disclose the deal value.
According to Stellantis Chief Executive Carlos Tavares, the collaboration will help the company to more closely manage the complete electronics supply chain. Qualcomm general manager of automotive, Nakul Dugal, said more automakers are working directly with chip makers rather than just relying on their other suppliers to act as a go-between.
“If you go back even a couple of years, it was quite uncommon for (automakers) to make a decision like this. This is now becoming much more common,” Dugal said
As per Dugal, Qualcomm's recent acquisition of self-driving tech software company Arriver gives its so-called ‘digital chassis' the ability to offer a full set of driver assistance and self-driving capabilities in addition to the cockpit and telematics technology. But the deal with Stellantis this time does not include that newer offering.
Qualcomm said that since it first unveiled its driver assistance and self-driving system – called Snapdragon Ride – in 2020, its automotive business deal pipeline has increased to $13 billion last year from $3 billion in 2017.
In a statement, the two companies said the in-car communication and infotainment systems for Stellantis are being designed and engineered together with tech giant Amazon.com and Taiwanese manufacturing company Foxconn.
