Qualcomm chips, which dominate the world of smartphones, are also now proving to be popular in vehicles. The company has been making chips that will provide more functionality to connected vehicles, The San Diego-based company has been providing its technology to dozens of automakers, including BMW, Hyundai Group, Volvo Cars, Renault Honda and Ferrari, among others.
Now, Qualcomm has inked a deal with Stellantis, which is behind 14 different top automobile brands in the world, including Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep and Maserati. Thanks to the collaboration, Stellantis will adopt Qualcomm's Snapdragon Digital Chassis - a cloud-enabled platform for telematics, connectivity, digital cockpit, and ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems). Beginning in 2024 with Maserati, the deal will bring more intelligent and immersive experiences to Stellantis' brands of cars. And by 2026, the technologies will be integrated across the group's brands.
"This agreement will facilitate Stellantis’ plan to merge all software domains into High Performance Computers, leveraging the high-performance, low-power Snapdragon Automotive Platforms across all major vehicle domains as well as contribute to securing Stellantis’ supply chain on strategic components," Qualcomm said.
What will Qualcomm provide Stellantis vehicles
Stellantis will use next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms to power the in-car communication and infotainment systems for STLA SmartCockpit, which is being designed and engineered together with Amazon and Foxconn. Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms will also be used to enhance STLA Brain to enhance the in-vehicle personal assistant capabilities.
The STLA Brain platform is the main electric/electronic and software architecture for future Stellantis vehicles. It is integrated into the cloud to facilitate over-the-air updates. The STLA SmartCockpit platform is built on top of the Brain, and uses AI-based applications to deliver infotainment features and services, including in-vehicle payments and voice commands.
The collaboration with Stellantis will include the Cockpit and Connectivity platforms, in particular integrating 5G functions.
STLA Brain features will also be enhanced by Digital Chassis components, including over-the-air updates and enhancements, including horsepower updates, additional drive modes, and diagnostics and repair.
Snapdragon Digital Chassis is basically a comprehensive set of cloud-connected platforms that individually or collectively digitize the numerous systems inside any automobile.
The Snapdragon Digital Cockpit Platforms are designed to help carmakers utilize advanced displays, audio, computing, and connectivity to improve infotainment. They not only help deliver high-definition graphics to touch and voice-controlled cockpit console, but also provide a fully immersive in-cabin experience, enabling premium audio and crystal-clear voice communications throughout the vehicle’s cabin.
What they said about the deal
The companies said Qualcomm technology would help Stellantis reach its goal of $21.8 billion in revenues from software-driven technologies. The group will have 34 million connected vehicles, Stellantis has said. Stellantis has previously used certain Qualcomm technologies, but this collaboration is a cementing of the existing relationship long-term goals.
"Our technology collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies is another example of how we are identifying industry leaders to work alongside our passionate and talented internal teams as we transform our vehicles through a software-defined approach," Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO, said.
Cristiano Amon, President and CEO, Qualcomm, said: "By creating open, scalable, and comprehensive automotive platforms that encompasses semiconductors, systems, software, and services, we are empowering Stellantis, as well as the broader automotive ecosystem, to lead the transformation to the digital era of automobiles."
