MICROSOFT agreed to provide cloud-computing services for cars made by Nissan. and Renault as the manufacturers push ahead with developing connected vehicles.Microsoft will build cloud infrastructure for the two carmakers that can host navigation data and allows drivers to predict petrol usage and check on their cars remotely, the Redmond, Washington-based software producer said in a statement on Monday.The US company will also help Renault and Nissan, which are both run by CEO Carlos Ghosn, develop user interfaces for their brands.Vehicles with the new features could reach the market as early as 2018, with more than 10 models with autonomous driving technology to be available two years later.The tie-up will be "a long-term commitment," Jean-Philippe Courtois, head of Microsoft’s global sales, marketing and operations, said by phone.Partnerships with technology companies are flourishing as carmakers shift their focus to self-driving technologies and digitisation. Last week, the Renau...
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