In its persistent efforts to reinforce its standing as one of the most prominent conglomerates in the present day automotive and transportation industry space, Honda Motor Company Ltd now appears keen to hop on the ever-evolving smart vehicle technology bandwagon. As per reliable sources, the Japanese automaker is in the process of teaming up with China’s Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, in a bid to develop a host of convenient in-car features that would enhance its internet connected vehicles.
Honda would reportedly work with the Alibaba-affiliated web mapping and navigation services provider, AutoNavi to arm its internet enabled cars with novel features that would allow drivers to complete payment processes at gas stations and parking lots without leaving their vehicles. As is being reported, the drivers would apparently be able to make payments through Alibaba’s Alipay payment platform.
For the record, AutoNavi, regarded as one of the leading mapping firms of China, was acquired by Alibaba in 2017 for an estimated cost of around USD 1.5 billion. Meanwhile, it would be prudent to mention that Honda, in the year 2015, had collaborated with the mapping company to enhance its car navigation systems. With the latest deal, AutoNavi is likely to deploy its expertise to enhance Honda’s next-gen vehicles that are anticipated to be launched in China over the next few years.
Speaking in the similar context, Honda’s state-of-the-art electric vehicle, reportedly manufactured in collaboration with China’s information technology behemoth Neusoft, is slated to hit the Chinese automotive and transportation market later this year.
The significance of the latest partnership can be deciphered from the fact that Honda, in the recent times, has been making extensive efforts to fortify its cooperation with the local firms to develop smart and internet-enabled cars equipped with cutting-edge technologies. This strategy has, in turn, assisted the automaker to make a robust headway in the highly combative automotive and transportation industry.