Android Automotive OS & Google Automotive Services

Actually, #Android itself doesn’t cost car manufacturers like Mahindra Group anything — because Android Automotive OS (#AAOS) is #opensource and free under The Apache Software Foundation License.

However, if a manufacturer wants to include Google #Mobile Services (#GMS) — like Google #Maps, Google #Assistant, #PlayStore, etc. — then they need to sign a licensing agreement with Google and may pay a per-unit fee.

🚗 What Mahindra (or any OEM) Pays for Android in Cars:

1. Android Automotive OS (AAOS) — FREE

- Open-source platform.

- Mahindra can download, modify, and use it without paying Google.

- Used as the base operating system for the car’s infotainment.

2. Google Automotive Services (#GAS) — LICENSED (COST INVOLVED)

- This includes:

- Google Assistant

- Google Maps (Automotive)

- Google Play Store (for apps)

- Google Play Services

- To legally include these, Mahindra must sign a Google Automotive Services agreement.

- Cost: Not publicly disclosed, but industry estimates suggest:

- $10–$20 per vehicle for GMS/GAS licensing (varies by region, volume, and negotiation).