Google and Pandora Partnering with Auto Brands for In-Car Services

Automobiles represent a big opportunity for tech companies and internet-based services, as Google and Pandora well know; they’ll start tapping into the auto industry this year.

Google, in collaboration with automotive leaders, recently announced the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA). This organization allows Google to develop Android-based in-car entertainment and information systems for key players in auto industry, including Audi, Honda and Hyundai.

“Together with our OAA partners, we’re working to enable new forms of integration with Android devices,” Patrick Brady, Director, Android Engineering, commented on Google’s new partnership in his blog. “Putting Android in the car will bring drivers apps and services they already know and love, while enabling automakers to more easily deliver cutting-edge technology to their customers.”

Google’s auto innovation allows people to access music, navigation, apps and services within their cars.

Aside from tech giant Google’s move to integrate Android mobile features into cars, internet radio service Pandora starts extending its in-car advertising solutions this year.

This internet-based radio platform will help advertisers reach more in-car audiences by running 15- and 30-second audio spots across 130 vehicle models, as well as more than 270 aftermarket automotive devices. Pandora says it’s currently available on nine out of the ten best-selling passenger vehicles.

The company will test its in-car advertising strategy with a group of major national brands, including BP, Ford Motor Company, State Farm and Taco Bell. Their ads will run for six months. Pandora will also introduce the in-car advertising experience by delivering fewer audio ads than on any other Pandora platform. Pandora One premium users will continue to enjoy an ad-free listening experience.

Pandora announced its first automotive brand partnership with Ford in 2010, followed by cooperation with several other automakers including BMW, Toyota, GM and Honda. As of December 2013, Pandora reported more than 76.2 million active monthly listeners and 1.58 billion listening hours across all platforms.