NXP Semiconductors, one of the largest suppliers of automotive semiconductors and AliOS, the operating system for the Internet of Things (IoT) solutions developed by Alibaba Group, have entered into a partnership to further drive the development of smart cars in China.

The collaboration will help build a next-generation smart cockpit enhanced by a multi-screen display, artificial-intelligence-driven interaction and secure Over-the-Air (OTA) updates.

The new partnership, which will combine AliOS and NXP i.MX applications processors, is another step in AliOS’ vision of a one-stop IoT solution, built with an integrated ecosystem that connects IoT and Cloud to make all IoT devices more intelligent. AliOS can be applied to cars, smart home appliances, mobile phones, tablets and other electronic gadgets. The partnership will also explore the optimisation of software and hardware design for next-generation auto e-cockpits, future car broadcasting systems and beyond.

Simon Hu, senior vice-president of Alibaba Group and president of AliOS said, “We look forward to redefining the future of the automobile sector in collaboration with our ecosystem partners such as NXP.”

Kurt Sievers executive vice-president and general manager of NXP automotive said, “Alibaba has great momentum in the development, innovation and application of automotive operating systems. Our i.MX applications processors have the processing power needed for new applications such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things and e-commerce. We believe the partnership will bring rich opportunities to the auto industry.”