April 14 (Reuters) – Automaker Stellantis (STLA.MI) has signed a multiyear deal to use Qualcomm’s (QCOM.O) next-generation connected-car technology in its vehicle lineup, the companies said on Thursday.
Fourteen Stellantis brands, including Peugeot, Fiat and Jeep, will use Qualcomm’s vehicle cockpit and 5G telematics technology starting in 2024 with the Maserati brand being the first out the gate, said the companies, which did not disclose the deal value.
Qualcomm general manager of automotive, Nakul Duggal, told Reuters more automakers are working directly with chip makers rather than just relying on their other suppliers to act as a go-between.
“If you go back even a couple of years, it was quite uncommon for (automakers) to make a decision like this,” Duggal said. “This is now becoming much more common.”
Qualcomm said that since it first unveiled its driver assistance and self-driving system – called Snapdragon Ride – in 2020, its automotive business deal pipeline has increased to $13 billion last year from $3 billion in 2017.
(The story is updated to correct spelling of Qualcomm automotive general manager’s last name to Duggal)
