The Paris-based tech firm designs its own software, hardware and processors. It is an early adopter of Bluetooth technology and is an associate member of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group.[1] Parrot originally stepped into the automotive business in the 2000s, with aftermarket Bluetooth hands free car kits[2] and car radios.[3] In 2011, at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show, the company introduced the first Android-based car radio.[4][5]
In the following years, Parrot's automotive business unit transitioned from aftermarket products for consumers to infotainment platforms and connectivity modules sold directly to car makers or to Tier-1 suppliers. Parrot's technology revolves around connectivity, analog and digital radio, voice processing and recognition. Parrot's head units provide entertainment features for the front and the rear of the vehicle, are mostly Android-based, and support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.[6] The Simple Box, introduced at CES 2016,[7] enables the vehicle occupants to use their own tablets or smartphones as the main interface with their vehicles.
In 2014, Parrot joined the Open Automotive Alliance,[8] an alliance of auto makers and tech companies fostering the use of Android in the automotive industry. In 2015, Parrot Automotive branched off from Parrot SA to become a fully owned subsidiary.
In 2016, Parrot launches Octopus 3+, a TV and radio tuner processor.[9]
In March 2017, Faurecia starts the acquisition project for Parrot Automotive.[10] The company is renamed Parrot Faurecia Automotive.
On October 1, 2018, Faurecia completes the acquisition of 100% of Parrot Faurecia Automotive[11]
Parrot Automotive's customers include car makers such as McLaren,[12] Volvo Cars,[13] and Honda.