Stellantis, Microsoft sign 5-year partnership for AI push

Stellantis and Microsoft said on Thursday they agreed to a five-year strategic partnership to co-develop artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and engineering capabilities, as the automaker races to keep pace with technology-focused rivals.

Software and data-driven services have become central in the automotive companies’ long-term strategies, especially as Chinese automakers accelerate their development of features to entice customers domestically and abroad.

Legacy automakers, which have often struggled to master software and tech efforts on their own, are increasingly looking to partner with tech companies to leverage their expertise and speed.

“Through our collaboration with Microsoft, we are accelerating our AI momentum across the enterprise,” Stellantis Chief Engineering and Technology Officer Ned Curic said in a joint statement.

No financial details of the deal were provided.