Stellantis and Microsoft announced a five-year strategic collaboration to jointly develop artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and engineering capabilities. This partnership comes as the automaker seeks to stay competitive against technology-driven rivals. Software and data-driven services have become crucial in the long-term strategies of automotive companies, especially as Chinese automakers enhance their offerings to attract customers globally.
Traditional automakers, who have faced challenges in mastering software and technology independently, are increasingly seeking partnerships with tech firms to leverage their expertise and accelerate progress. Stellantis’ Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, Ned Curic, expressed that the collaboration with Microsoft is propelling their AI initiatives across the enterprise.
The agreement focuses on co-developing over 100 AI projects at Stellantis, aiming to enhance areas such as product development, predictive maintenance, and the swift implementation of digital features and services. Additionally, the partnership will bolster Stellantis’ global cyber defense center with AI-driven analytics to safeguard vehicles, customer data, and operations worldwide.
Stellantis will streamline its IT infrastructure on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform to achieve a 60% reduction in its data center footprint by 2029. This move aligns with the automaker’s shift towards enhancing core vehicle sales and quality. The collaboration builds upon the existing relationship between Stellantis and Microsoft, as they have previously collaborated on connected vehicle platforms and in-car digital services.
