There’s a risk that all the money sloshing around amid the EV development frenzy will fund boondoggles. To counter that risk, state and local officials helping to fund this EV boom say they built in protections for taxpayers.
Amazon Web Services Inc. will collaborate with the BMW Group to create cloud software to deliver and manage data generated by connected vehicles.
The software is designed to aggregate vehicle data from multiple sources to expedite development of features and enhance software life cycle management. The software will also provide after-sale vehicle and driver-personalization features via over-the-air updates, Amazon said.
Most automakers have for years understood the value of data to their business, said Alex Oyler, director automotive technology research and consulting firm at SBD Automotive.
“But practical challenges in the collection and distribution of this data in a safe, secure and compliant manner presented economic and logistical challenges that have been difficult to overcome,” Oyler said.
The availability of automotive-specific cloud services and the advent of in-vehicle data processing technologies make it possible for automakers like BMW to capitalize on vehicle data assets, he said.
Toyota said it would begin offering 10-year free trial periods on its core Safety Connect and Service Connect systems, beginning with 2023 Toyota and Lexus models.
Spy photos show that the next-gen BMW X2 compact crossover will embrace a sloped roof and more raked rear hatch.
The automaker said no permanent employees would be laid off as a result of the cutback, which it called an effort to “improve production efficiency” amid the ongoing industrywide microchip shortage.