Mahindra & Mahindra has become a member of the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA), a global alliance of vehicle manufacturers with leading edge technology committed to bringing the Android platform to cars.  The announcement was made at Google I/O, Google's developer conference in San Francisco, recently.

Under the aegis of this association with Google and the OAA, Mahindra is getting ready to provide its customers with the next level of connectivity through Android Auto.

The Open Automotive Alliance has 28 OEM members including Audi, BMW, Bentley, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, Mazda, Maserati, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault Skoda, Subaru, Suzuki, Volkswagen and Volvo Cars and 16 technology partners including Google, Harman, Delphi, Panasonic, Fujitsu Ten, Pioneer, Renesas, Alpine and NVIDIA.

The OAA was formed in January 2014, when Audi, GM, Google, Honda, Hyundai and NVIDIA came together and committed themselves to bring the Android platform to cars. The OAA is dedicated to a common platform that will drive innovation, and make technology in cars safer and more intuitive for everyone.

The OAA is aimed at accelerating auto innovation with an approach that offers openness, customization and scale. This open development model and common platform will allow automakers to more easily bring cutting-edge technology to their drivers, and create new opportunities for developers to deliver powerful experiences for drivers and passengers in a safe and scalable way.

With OAA, automakers can leverage a platform already being used by millions to deliver a familiar and consistent experience to their customers. Taking a platform-centric approach enables high quality application development in a way that is purpose built for cars.
From the driver’s point of view, they are already trying to access mobile services while they're on the road, but in ways that aren't always seamless or safe. By working with automakers to deliver these experiences in ways that make sense for the automobile, drivers can get what they're looking for without disrupting their focus on the road.

It also helps developers. With one platform that developers are already familiar with to target (rather than a patchwork of platforms from different automakers), developers will be able to focus on delivering a powerful experience for users.

Android Auto extends the Android platform into the car in a way that is purpose-built for driving. It offers next-generation solutions in connectivity by linking smartphones and tablets with an in-vehicle infotainment system and is designed for safer and easier access to information that the driver may require while driving. For example, eyes-free technology like voice and spoken directions combined with integrated controls (like steering wheel buttons) to reduce driver intervention significantly. With simple, intuitive interfaces and voice actions, Android Auto is expected to enhance the driving experience by being connected always, while also improving comfort and safety.

Mahindra’s first-mover advantage
Speaking on the announcement, Pravin Shah, president and chief executive (Automotive), Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “We are happy to be part of the OAA and be the first Indian OEM to be part of this prestigious global alliance. At Mahindra we have always been committed to introducing newer technological offerings in our vehicles in an endeavour to create an enriched user experience and provide better value technologies to our customers. Going forward, after successful integration, we will be offering Android Auto in our flagship models of the XUV 500 and the Scorpio as well as on our future platforms.”

Mahindra currently offers the Blue Sense App (pictured above) which enables customers to connect with the vehicle using Bluetooth technology. Going forward, on integration of Android Auto, Mahindra vehicle owners will have in-car access to Google Maps and other specially adapted Google Services and third party apps via an infotainment screen through simplified interactions.