General Motors CEO Mary Barra today said the company plans to add Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to 14 of its 2016 models later this year. In 2014, the 14 models included in this rollout accounted for more than 2.4 million vehicle sales, or 51 percent of Chevrolet’s total global sales.
“For most of us, our smartphones are essential,” said Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors. “Partnering with Apple and Google to offer CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility across the widest range of models in the industry is a great example of how Chevrolet continues to democratize technology that’s important to our customers.”
The in-dash software will be spread across GM’s range of Chevrolet products, from the Chevy Corvette down to the Chevy Spark. the firs tot have it will be all-new 2016 Cruze compact car, which will debut on June 24. Cruze is Chevrolet’s best-selling passenger car, with more than 3 million sold since launch.
Many features can be controlled via voice commands through a button on the steering wheel, helping drivers spend more time with eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
GM will work to add the platforms to its other automotive brands, such as GMC and Cadillac, over time. GM had already committed to both platforms but had not previously said when it might get around to installing them.
Earlier this week, Hyundai was the first to step up and add Android Auto to its 2015 Sonata sedan. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay bring basic elements of the smartphone experience to the in-dash navigation screen.
