Microsoft and the Renault-Nissan Alliance have announced an agreement to join forces for the development of connected driving throughout the world.

As part of the deal, the two companies will develop Microsoft’s Azure cloud offering and provide it with a host of new services.

These new services aim to produce improved navigation, remote monitoring of car features, over-the-air updates, predictive maintenance and better mobile experiences. The flexibility of Microsoft Azure will also allow Renault-Nissan to effectively deploy its services across all of its brands and comprehensive range of models.

All told, the collaboration aims to better connect car owners with their work, entertainment and social networks in an effort to better incorporate vehicles into the life of consumers.

According to Renault-Nissan senior vice president of Connected Vehicles and Mobility Services, Ogi Redzic, “A car is becoming increasingly connected, intelligent and personal. Partnering with Microsoft allows us to accelerate the development of the associated key technologies needed to enable scenarios our customers want and build all-new ones they haven’t even imagined. We aim to become the provider of connected mobility for everyone with one single global platform.”

Jean-Philippe Courtois from Microsoft extended on this by saying “Renault-Nissan is an exceptional partner thanks to its global presence and range of brands, which enable it to bring entirely new mobile and digital experiences to so many people. This collaboration will bring a new standard to connected cars.”

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