At the C3 Connected Car Conference being held in New York City, GM announced several models from two of their brands will be receiving Android Auto capabilities in 2016 models scheduled for release later this year. Both GMC and Buick will see models equipped to support both Android Auto and Apple's CarPlay platforms as part of the company's efforts to expand support for consumer technology.
For GMC, the company is starting out slowly with only some GMC Sierra models getting Android Auto capability to start with. However, GMC plans to expand that support to cover all Sierra models as well as all Canyon and Yukon models later in the year. On the Buick side, all 2016 Regal and LaCrosse models are scheduled to get support for Android Auto later in the year. Initially the Android Auto systems will come on 7-inch displays built into the vehicle dashes, but will eventually be supported on the 8-inch displays being used for Apple CarPlay.
Both Buick and GMC note that the support for Android Auto, as well as Apple CarPlay, is being designed to integrate smoothly with the company's OnStar 4G LTE connectivity which creates a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot whenever a vehicle is turned on and can support up to seven connected devices. Buyers will get a free three-month, 3 GB per month trial period before having to make an optional purchase to keep the service.
Duncan Aldred, a vice president with both the GMC and Buick divisions, says each company “understands the importance of connectivity integration in everyday life and this new connection technology provides drivers with a smart and simple way to have all the conveniences of their mobile devices safely at their fingertips.”
sources: Buick press release, GMC press release
