Panasonic Automotive Systems has acquired Aupeo GmbH, a Berlin-based content and audio streaming service and technology platform provider.
Following the move, president of Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America Tom Gebhardt said that “conventional consumer-focused music and content services do not address all the needs of car manufacturers.”
He added: “Providing connected services and mobile content delivery that both appeal to consumers and enable product differentiation is critical to the automotive industry.
“There is a considerable need for a connected and personalized media content platform that enables consumers to access content on any device while also enabling businesses to have a richer relationship with their customers.
“Aupeo’s technologies and content delivery platform provide a solution that is complementary to Panasonic’s automotive, business-to-business and business-to-consumer product lines.”
Aupeo CEO Holger G. Weiss said: “Aupeo was founded with a clear vision to deliver online and seamless content services to internet-connected devices.
“At that point, we saw the car as our most important focus. It is exciting to become a part of the Panasonic family as our industry continues to grow rapidly and mature. Aupeo and Panasonic remain deeply committed to providing current and potential customers in all industries with leading global music and audio streaming services and technologies.”
Both Spotify and Deezer announced partnerships with Volvo earlier this year which will see their platforms fully-integrated as part of an in-dashboard, voice-activated service.
Spotify had previously announced a similar deal with Ford.
