It is normal for software companies to acquire one another to gain access to new technology, but it is not so normal in the automotive world. FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
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is breaking the mold by purchasing software company Livio for its in-car connectivity technology.

Livio will gain access to Ford technology, intellectual property and gain access to its engineers to create new in-car connectivity technology. Ford claims that purchasing Livio gives the company a single platform to develop its technology for.

The main aim of Livio is to create safer in-car tech that distracts drivers less but still allows them to access digital content while driving and smartphone integration.

Ford and Livio are hoping to create a new standard for in-car connectivity that other automakers could follow. According to Ford, having a single standard makes innovation easier because developers can focus all of their effort on making software work, instead of porting it to multiple platforms.

“With the additional expertise Livio provides us, Ford intends to continue to lead the next generation of in-car connectivity with technology advancements that give consumers more options to access their devices on the go,” said Paul Mascarenas, chief technical officer at Ford Research and Innovation.

Ford introduced its Sync infotainment system in 2007 and since then roughly half of the cars that it has built has been equipped with the system.