Renault-Nissan to equip cars with Android infotainment by 2021

Google's platform will power the infotainment hardware itself, marking much deeper integration than Android Auto's smartphone projection.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has announced a partnership with Google to build next-generation infotainment systems powered by Android.

Drivers can already access many of Google's apps and services via Android Auto, but only when a compatible smartphone is paired with the vehicle.

The latest announcement represents a fulfillment of Google's intention to dive further into the auto industry, supplying the operating system for infotainment hardware.

Future Renault-Nissan vehicles will provide native access to Google's Maps and Assistant features. The latter will support voice input for sending text messages, controlling media, managing vehicle functions and finding information.

Android will power a wide range of vehicles under the alliance, but individual brands will have the flexibility to create their own unique customer interface and add additional proprietary features atop Android's core elements.

The announcement represents a huge win for Google. Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi sold a combined 10.6 million vehicles last year, with projected sales of 14 million units by the end of 2022.

The alliance's first Android-powered systems are slated to arrive in 2021, several years behind early adopter Volvo.