(Yicai Global) Dec. 11 -- The China arm of Japanese electronics company Hitachi will cooperate with Chinese internet giant Tencent Holdings to develop Internet of Vehicles, autonomous driving, and vehicle information security services, Hitachi announced today.

The pair will use Shenzhen-based Tencent’s cloud computing, artificial intelligence and Big Data technologies and Hitachi’s automotive knowhow, including in-vehicle technology and information security, in their joint efforts, Hitachi China said in a press release today on its WeChat account.

The security of connected cars must be shorn up as a miscellany of IoV services emerge in China, with measures to prevent hackers from staging attacks from external networks and those barring unauthorized access to vehicle data.

Tokyo-headquartered Hitachi has a track record of developing IoV systems, including in-vehicle software and commercialized in-vehicle control units that enable advanced driver assistance systems, platforms for electric vehicles, and over-the-air technology. The company anticipates growing demand for driverless mobility and IoV solutions that combine more reliable components and cloud and software technology.

The two will push digitization of the auto industry and provide services to Chinese carmakers and logistics and transport companies, Beijing-based Hitachi China said.

Editor: Ben Armour, Xiao Yi