INRIX announced that it had acquired OpenCar, a U.S.-based automotive software and services provider.
The OpenCar purchase extends the successful INRIX cloud platform into the dashboard with a broad portfolio of third-party content and applications in a customizable user experience (UX) automakers fully control.
INRIX, president and CEO, Bryan Mistele said: "Today, over half of the connected vehicles in the world use INRIX services."
By 2020, more than a quarter billion connected cars will be on the road."
"With the OpenCar acquisition, INRIX is in the driver's seat to provide those connected services and expand into the digital dashboard with unique, easy-to-use applications designed especially for next-gen automotive experiences."
OpenCar, backed for the last five years by a strategic partnership with Mazda Motor Corporation, offers the industry's only white label, standards-based application development environment and framework.
Unlike Google's Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which limit automaker-specific customization and require access to sensitive car data, the OpenCar framework is fully controlled by the automaker and enables for brand-, model- and region-specific touch and voice interfaces across the entire infotainment experience.
This unique capability empowers OEMs to enhance their brand and satisfy consumer demand through a variety of in-car information, media and location-based applications.
While OpenCar is designed to understand the data generated by advanced vehicle systems, control of how it is used, shared and stored remains in the hands of the automaker.
Unlike proprietary solutions created by automakers or suppliers to date, INRIX leverages its successful 10-year history of delivering auto-grade, cloud-based solutions to expand OpenCar into the first scalable, global automotive app platform.
OpenCar provides developer tools and services to create apps for an open, industry-wide ecosystem. It also enables app deployment across different makes and models while still allowing each automaker to create a unique customer experience.
The application ecosystem, which includes roughly 1,300 registered developers representing hundreds of companies, covers accommodations, city guides, fuel, internet radio, parking, reviews and more.
In addition, automakers can manage the complete in-car app lifecycle worldwide, including over-the-air updates, validation, and model or regional specifications. INRIX is committed to continuously expanding the existing content and apps portfolio across all key geographies, which is a key differentiator to other solutions on the market today.
Combined with INRIX's dynamic services already available from leading automakers, including Audi, BMW, Ford, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Tesla, Toyota and Volkswagen, the OpenCar platform is uniquely positioned to revolutionize the connected car experience.
AUDI, Audi connect and HMI development, head, Marcus Keith said: "We're excited to see additional competition in this important connected car segment."
"The combination of INRIX and OpenCar should be very compelling for bringing new applications."
OpenCar, CEO, Jeff Payne said: "OpenCar enables automakers to create an end-to-end ecosystem for in-car applications that make it easier, safer and more enjoyable to be behind the wheel."
"INRIX gives us the opportunity to grow the footprint of our app platform much faster, both geographically and with more OEMs."
