Ford Motor Company, PSA Peugeot Citroën and Renault-Nissan yesterday announced they#;ll jointly develop telematics systems for European motorists. The new company is said to be the first telematics co-operation between three car manufacturers, with all three holding an equal share.

The future company, as yet unnamed, will combine the telematic capabilities and technologies of the three manufacturers to develop a shared European infrastructure capable of providing each with services for their customers.

The joint venture will specifically target a reduction in the cost to customers of providing telematics services by achieving economies of scale and by sharing experience and know-how gained from existing telematics facilities.