Jaguar Land Rover invests $15m in CloudCar connected car company
Jaguar Land Rover will invest $15m for a minority stake investment in CloudCar, a connected car company, and will adopt CloudCar’s next-generation cloud service platform for its debut fully electric vehicle, the Jaguar I-PACE. CloudCar uses machine learning and sensor input in vehicles to enable voice-activated applications and personalisation for drivers.

CloudCar, based in Palo Alto, California, is a developer of connected driver experiences. With machine-learning capabilities tied to various sensors in the car, its cloud services platform allows car manufacturers to use its capability—including improved voice-activated applications and personalisation—while still maintaining their brand identity and retaining ownership of data.

This represents an important step in developing connected car technology. CloudCar has been working with premium manufacturers on some of the most exciting opportunities and challenges in the fields of machine learning and infotainment. This investment is integral to Jaguar Land Rover’s vehicle technology programme: but the program also presents an invaluable opportunity for other automotive manufacturers to get involved. The eventual need to integrate into the car hundreds of driver-focused global cloud services and content means this platform is an excellent example where cooperation between OEMs can improve outcomes for customers, as well as reducing costs.

—Hanno Kirner, Executive Director of Corporate Strategy for Jaguar Land Rover