Stellantis and Microsoft have announced a strategic partnership lasting five years to collaborate on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and engineering capabilities. This initiative comes as Stellantis aims to keep up with technology-focused competitors in the automotive industry. Software and data-driven services have become integral to the long-term strategies of automotive companies, particularly as Chinese automakers rapidly develop enticing features for both domestic and international markets.
Traditional automakers, facing challenges in mastering software and technology independently, are increasingly seeking partnerships with tech companies to enhance their capabilities and accelerate progress. Stellantis’ Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, Ned Curic, emphasized the acceleration of their AI initiatives across the enterprise through the collaboration with Microsoft.
The partnership between Stellantis and Microsoft will involve co-developing over 100 AI initiatives focusing on product development, validation, predictive maintenance, testing, and the swift implementation of digital features and services. Additionally, the collaboration aims to strengthen Stellantis’ global cyber defense center using AI-driven analytics to prevent cyber threats and safeguard vehicles, customer data, and operations worldwide.
The cyber defense center will encompass IT systems, connected vehicles, manufacturing sites, and digital products, integrating security measures across mobile apps and in-vehicle services. As part of the partnership, Stellantis plans to enhance its IT infrastructure by modernizing it on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform, with a target of reducing its data center footprint by 60% by 2029.