Stellantis Ends Amazon Partnership Shifts to Android for In-Car Software

Three years ago, Stellantis announced a major collaboration with Amazon to develop in-car software aimed at delivering a wide range of connected products and services by 2024. This ambitious plan was part of Stellantis’ broader strategy to generate $22.5 billion annually from software revenue, marking a significant pivot from traditional vehicle manufacturing to becoming a software-driven mobility company.

However, the partnership with Amazon did not materialize as expected. According to Reuters, the collaboration is now "winding down," with Amazon personnel involved in the project either reassigned or having left the company. Stellantis confirmed this development and revealed plans to pivot towards an Android-based system for its in-car software platform.

Despite ending the Amazon partnership for in-car software, Stellantis emphasized that Amazon remains a valuable partner, particularly as it continues to use Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its preferred cloud provider for vehicle platforms. This ongoing collaboration highlights the importance of cloud infrastructure in supporting connected vehicle ecosystems.

Stellantis’ original vision included three core components for its software ecosystem:

• STLA Brain: An underlying electrical and software architecture system that forms the foundation for vehicle connectivity and software integration.
• STLA SmartCockpit: A platform designed to deliver applications such as navigation, voice assistance, e-commerce marketplaces, payment services, and personalized in-vehicle experiences.
• AutoDrive: An automated driving platform developed in collaboration with BMW to enhance vehicle autonomy.

Amazon was specifically involved in the STLA SmartCockpit, focusing on technology that adapts to customer behaviors and interests to deliver personalized services. With the shift to Android, Stellantis plans to maintain its smart cockpit vision but leverage Google’s widely adopted Android system, which is already used by many automakers worldwide.

This pivot is significant because it aligns Stellantis with an established ecosystem, potentially accelerating development and adoption of its connected vehicle software. The move also underscores the competitive and rapidly evolving nature of automotive software partnerships, where flexibility and scalability are key.

Looking ahead, Stellantis aims to have 34 million connected cars on the road by 2030, leveraging partnerships with BMW, Foxconn, Waymo, and others. The company’s software-centric strategy is designed to create new revenue streams beyond traditional vehicle sales, focusing on subscriptions and personalized digital services.

In summary, Stellantis’ shift from Amazon to Android for its in-car software platform reflects broader trends in the automotive industry toward open, scalable, and widely supported software ecosystems. It also highlights the challenges and dynamic nature of building connected vehicle platforms that meet evolving consumer expectations and technological demands.