Google is teaming up with a number of car manufacturers to develop cars with Android purpose-built entertainment systems.

The new alliance consists of Audi, GM, Google, Honda, Hyundai and NVIDIA and will be known as the Open Automotive Alliance (OOA). While the initial intention is to provide in-car entertainment systems, the alliance says it intends to “create new opportunities for developers to deliver powerful experiences for drivers and passengers in a safe and scalable way”.

“Millions of people are already familiar with Android and use it everyday,” said Sundar Pichai, SVP of Android, Chrome & Apps at Google. “The expansion of the Android platform into automotive will allow our industry partners to more easily integrate mobile technology into cars and offer drivers a familiar, seamless experience so they can focus on the road.”

Announcing the OOA on the Android blog, Patrick Brady, Director, Android Engineering at Google said:

“Today, millions of people already bring Android phones and tablets into their cars, but it’s not yet a driving-optimized experience. Wouldn't it be great if you could bring your favorite apps and music with you, and use them safely with your car's built-in controls and in-dash display?”

He said that Google is working with the other OAA partners to enable new forms of integration with Android devices, and adapting Android for the car to make driving safer, easier and more enjoyable for everyone, and that putting Android in the car will create new opportunities for developers to extend the variety and depth of the Android app ecosystem.

The alliance says that while timing for vehicles that include the new technology will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, we can expect to see the first cars with Android integration by the end of this year. In addition to the Android alliance, Apple users can already buy cars with Siri integration, and Microsoft and Ford have partnered on the Sync system.