Qualcomm, Salesforce Team on New Connected Car Platform

Qualcomm announced at CES that it is teaming with cloud-based software firm Salesforce Inc to develop a new connected vehicle platform for automakers.

The new platform will be built using the chipmaker’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis and the San Francisco-based Salesforce’s Automotive Cloud, to help car manufacturers personalize customer experiences using real-time data. It will then be possible to deploy these new services widely across a fleet of dynamically configurable, software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

As CES illustrated, the provision of digital services to car users is becoming increasingly important as more and more vehicles are developed with advanced self-driving capabilities.

The Snapdragon Digital Chassis is used by automakers and suppliers to deliver assisted and autonomous driving tech, plus cloud connectivity and infotainment. Customers include Cadillac, Mercedes and Stellantis, while Afeela – the newly announcedbrand  from Sony and Honda – will also feature it.

Qualcomm and Salesforce outlined several specific benefits that using the digital chassis in tandem with the latter’s Automotive Cloud would deliver.

These include the ability to develop monetizable connected services through a better understanding of car users and their behaviors via connected vehicle and driver data. It is also claimed the new platform will allow automakers to dynamically configure vehicle features to accommodate the new services – lowering recurring costs and providing seamless upgrades for consumers.

Development of the new platform will see the creation of a digital twin of the Snapdragon Digital Chassis on Automotive Cloud, providing a complete, 360-degree view of the customer and vehicle for multiple domains.

Nakul Duggal, senior vice president and GM of automotive at Qualcomm, said: “We look forward to extending our growing relationship with Salesforce to help guide automakers through a time of exceptional innovation. Through the combination of Salesforce’s solutions and our Snapdragon Digital Chassis Platform, we look forward to providing automakers with the tools to deliver unparalleled personalized experiences while strengthening relationships with the next generation of automotive customers.”

Alex Dayon, President and Chairman of the Salesforce Advisory Board, added: “The next revolution for the automotive industry is the rise of software-defined vehicles, and the Snapdragon Digital Chassis serves as a strong foundation for them. We’re excited to work with Qualcomm Technologies to help automakers deliver this new generation of connected car experiences that will fundamentally redefine how we interact with our cars.”

Separately at CES, Qualcomm displayed a concept designed to showcase the potential of the Snapdragon Digital Chassis. It highlighted a number of AI-powered innovations, including how integrated facial recognition and biometric authentication would enable car drivers to purchase new features and content for their vehicle. Qualcomm claimed the concept brought the SDV to life, “showcasing an array of applications and services that allow consumers to extend their digital life into their vehicle.”