BlackBerry to provide software for Jaguar Land Rover EVs
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BlackBerry Ltd and Tata Motors Ltd’s Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) said on Thursday they reached a licensing agreement to use the Canadian company’s software in the luxury car brand’s next-generation electric vehicles.
BlackBerry will provide its infotainment and security software to JLR, in the Canadian firm’s latest licensing deal for its autonomous-driving technology after similar agreements with Qualcomm Inc, Baidu Inc and Aptiv Plc.
BlackBerry’s QNX unit, which makes software for computer systems on cars and has long been used to run car infotainment consoles, is expected to start generating revenue in 2019.
Its Certicom unit focuses on security technology and serves customers such as IBM Corp, General Electric Co, and Continental Airlines.
JLR, which was bought by the Tata group in 2008, said last year that all its new cars would be available in an electric or hybrid version from 2020.
Britain’s biggest carmaker said in January it would open a software engineering centre in Ireland to work on advanced automated driving and electrification technologies.
Questions & Answers
Q.What type of software will BlackBerry be providing to Jaguar Land Rover?
What type of software will BlackBerry be providing to Jaguar Land Rover?
BlackBerry will supply its infotainment and security software. This technology is intended for use in Jaguar Land Rover's upcoming generation of electric vehicles, as part of a new licensing agreement between the companies.
Q.Which specific BlackBerry units are involved in this deal with JLR?
Which specific BlackBerry units are involved in this deal with JLR?
The QNX unit, which develops software for car computer systems and infotainment consoles, and the Certicom unit, which specialises in security technology, are both involved. Their combined offerings will benefit Jaguar Land Rover's new electric vehicles.
Q.Has BlackBerry previously secured similar licensing deals for its autonomous-driving technology?
Has BlackBerry previously secured similar licensing deals for its autonomous-driving technology?
Yes, BlackBerry has made comparable licensing agreements in the past. Other companies that have signed similar deals for its autonomous-driving technology include Qualcomm Inc, Baidu Inc, and Aptiv Plc.
Q.When is BlackBerry's QNX unit expected to begin generating revenue?
When is BlackBerry's QNX unit expected to begin generating revenue?
The QNX unit, known for its software in car computer systems and infotainment, is projected to start generating revenue in 2019. This is an important financial milestone for BlackBerry's automotive technology division.
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