Blackberry recently announced its QNX Software is now embedded in over 150 million vehicles, marking an increase of 30 million vehicles since the company announced its automotive footprint in 2018. QNX Software makes its way to cars through automotive original equipment manufacturers who embed the technology in advanced driver assistance systems, digital instrument clusters, connectivity modules, handsfree systems, and infotainment systems that comes in various prominent car brands.
The announcement is much welcomed news for a company with a long history of declines and while its aggregate revenue continues to slide, Blackberry is showing signs of a second wind through a cybersecurity and enterprise mobility strategy. In February 2019, the company acquired Cylance, an artificial intelligence and cybersecurity leader, for approximately $1.4 billion. The acquisition represented a key addition to Blackberry’s end-to-end secure communications.
Investors seem to believe that CEO John Chen is on the right path. The stock has recently rallied nearly 20% against an industry decline of 4% so far this year.
Regarding its progress in the auto market, John comments, "As this milestone proves, BlackBerry's footprint in the automotive industry has never been stronger," and continues, "The world's leading automakers, tier ones, and chip manufacturers continue to seek out BlackBerry's safety-certified and highly-secure software for their next-generation vehicles. Together with our customers we will help to ensure that the future of mobility is safe, secure and built on trust."
BlackBerry has secured the trust of such key auto brands as Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, KIA, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
Notably, while currently popular in the press, QNX software has been around for some time. BlackBerry first acquired the technology from Harman International in 2010. It then used the technology as the foundation for its next generation technology platform across devices. QNX was in fact the platform for the BlackBerry PlayBook and BlackBerry 10 Smartphones.
