Ford and Blackberry to co-develop autonomous drive technology
Ford Motor Company and Canadian telecommunications and smartphone manufacturer, BlackBerry have signed a technical agreement to co-develop connected
By Rahul Kapoor
To enhance their infotainment system and develop connected car technology, Ford Motor Company have initiated a technical partnership with BlackBerry Limited. The partnership defines that the two companies will develop to enhance the vehicle display systems, infotainment and security systems fitted to production cars from Ford.
The partnership shows that car manufacturers these days are relying on developing their own digital subsystems, rather than using third party technology developed by suppliers.
The partnership agreement involves BlackBerry’s QNX operating system, which is catering to other car companies in addition to Ford’s Sync 3 in-car connectivity system. The initial engagements will include enhancements with the cockpit in regards to telematics, infotainment, and instrument cluster. Ford claims that with this technology integration to their cars, it will offer them more control over the features and personalisation that they can include in the cars.
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BlackBerry will also provide security technology integration to avoid the possibility of the in-car system software being externally hacked. Especially cars with connected and autonomous drive which can be used to deliberately take over the car’s systems to cause a crash.
BlackBerry claims that with this partnership, they can also help co-develop not only infotainment technology only, but also autonomous driving and connected car systems with Ford.
BlackBerry will form a team of dedicated QNX engineers based out of Canada who will work with Ford to develop the technology.
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