Stellantis has inked a multiyear agreement with Qualcomm to employ next-generation connected-car technologies in its vehicle portfolio, the firms announced on Thursday.
Fourteen Stellantis brands, including Peugeot, Fiat, and Jeep, will begin using Qualcomm's car cockpit and 5G telematics technology in 2024, with the Maserati brand being the first to do so, according to the firms, who did not disclose the agreement amount.
According to Nakul Duggal, general manager of automotive at Qualcomm, more automakers are dealing directly with chip makers rather than depending on their other suppliers to function as a go-between.
"It was extremely unusual for (automakers) to decide this even a couple of years ago," Duggal added. "This is getting increasingly prevalent."
In addition to the cockpit and telematic technologies, Qualcomm's recent acquisition of self-driving tech software startup Arriver allows its so-called "digital chassis" to offer a comprehensive range of driver assistance and self-driving capabilities. However, that updated product is not included in this time's arrangement with Stellantis.
Qualcomm stated that since introducing its driver assistance and self-driving technology, Snapdragon Ride, in 2020, its automotive industry transaction pipeline has grown from $3 billion in 2017 to $13 billion last year.
The two businesses stated in a statement that the Stellantis' in-car communication and infotainment systems are being created and manufactured in collaboration with tech giant Amazon.com (AMZN.O) and Taiwanese manufacturing company Foxconn (2317.TW).
