Stellantis, a global automotive giant, has taken a significant step towards enhancing its electric vehicles' driving experience by acquiring key artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and intellectual property (IP) from CloudMade, a company known for its innovative big data-driven automotive solutions. This move is aimed at bolstering the mid-term development of the STLA SmartCockpit and aligns with Stellantis' comprehensive software strategy, Dare Forward 2030. It follows on from the previous purchase of AiMotive.
CloudMade is renowned for its pioneering AI framework, inclusive of machine learning models, which has set industry benchmarks over the past decade for its ability to collect and analyse vast automotive data sets. This technology not only facilitates the creation of advanced vehicle features but also enhances mobile applications, based on the consent of the users, thereby personalising and predicting the in-car and mobility experience.
The acquisition, structured as an asset deal, includes CloudMade's cutting-edge technology, IP rights, and the integration of its skilled team of 44 engineers and software developers into Stellantis. This strategic incorporation is expected to fast-track the development of the STLA SmartCockpit, as stated by Yves Bonnefont, Stellantis' Chief Software Officer. Bonnefont highlighted the role of this adaptable technology in crafting intelligent mobility solutions that promise personalised in-car and mobile experiences, thus fulfilling customer expectations.
Jim Brown, the founder and CTO of CloudMade, expressed enthusiasm about the transaction, noting the opportunity it presents for a deeper collaboration with Stellantis in innovating the vehicle cockpit experience. CloudMade's AI framework is distinguished by its ability to maximise data utility through personalised, fleet, and cohort learning approaches, thereby predicting individual behaviours, sharing real-world features across devices, and amalgamating data from clustered groups to enhance overall functionality.
The integration of CloudMade's software technology is set to support Stellantis' objective of developing intelligent mobility products that significantly improve customer experience. This includes a variety of services and products such as predictive maintenance, diagnostics, personalised in-car experiences, voice assistant customisations, optimised mobile experiences, and advanced navigation and mapping. These features are designed not only to enhance vehicle performance and safety but also to simplify user interactions and make journeys more enjoyable.
Furthermore, the acquisition will empower Stellantis to develop end-to-end navigation features, bolster data privacy by internalising data management for training models, and create development kits for custom model creation by its software developers. This strategic move underscores Stellantis' commitment to delivering clean, safe, and affordable mobility solutions, as part of its ambitious Dare Forward 2030 plan. The plan sets a path towards achieving carbon net zero status by 2038, reinforcing Stellantis' position as a leader in sustainable mobility innovations.
Stellantis, with its diverse portfolio of iconic and innovative brands, including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Fiat, and Peugeot, among others, continues to make strides in the automotive industry. By integrating CloudMade's AI technologies, Stellantis is poised to redefine the future of driving, making it safer, more personalised, and ultimately more enjoyable for its customers worldwide.
