GM To Offer Google, Apple Smartphone Options

GM To Offer Google, Apple Smartphone Options.

Hyundai Close Behind But Many More About To Join In.

General Motors will offer Google’s Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay as options on some of its cars in the U.S. and was quickly joined by Hyundai, although this threatens the big investments car companies have already made in connectivity.

GM said it will offer the two options on more than 12 Chevrolets in the 2016 model year, which offer dashboard displays mimicking smartphones. The systems allow drivers to control maps, text messaging, music and other smartphone features. Hyundai later said it has begun offering Android Auto on the Sonata, which is also soon to appear in Ford, Jeep, Audi, Honda and Subaru vehicles.

On the Chevrolet models, Android or Apple devices can be used by plugging the phone into a USB port.

IHS Automotive said demand for these new devices should be huge.

“IHS forecasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will have growth rates similar to Bluetooth and 3.5 mm Auxiliary Inputs had over the last 10 years. This will result in AppleCarPLay and Android Auto reaching 31.4 million global unit sales and 36.8 million global unit sales in 2020 respectively. This is very fast growth in a very short time for automotive,” IHS Auto said.

So what happens to all the devices which mainstream auto makers have already introduced at great expense?

“Automakers are developing and deploying over-the-air update capabilities to rapid improvements and updates to infotainment systems in the future. This could perhaps allow (manufacturers) to help level the playing field with companies like Apple and Google who are more used to offering low-cost, frequent updates,” IHS Auto said.