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Mazda to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity in 2018

While Mazda leads the game in Australia on many fronts, it falls short in the field of basic smartphone technology and connectivity.


Speaking to media at the 2017 Los Angeles motor show, president and CEO of Mazda North America Operations, Masahiro Moro said technology like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is on the way.

"Some technology is almost necessary and not just a benefit. This is the 'hygiene' factor in a few years. We are working on that and it will come in 2018," Moro said.

Asked whether it was a lapse in judgement not offering this technology earlier, Moro countered by suggesting it wasn't a mistake, more just a strategy to allow synchronisation amongst markets.

"It's not necessarily a mistake. Mazda has business in over 30 countries worldwide and our approach was to be open source and how to avoid disruption based on location," said Moro.

"Being late to really appreciate consumer's preference to use those technologies. So that was the problem and I've discussed it with our R&D colleagues. The consumer expectation is not more than this, it's just this."

Much like the inclusion of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) across the Mazda 2, 3, CX-3 and CX-5 ranges recently, Mazda is likely to roll out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in 2018 as part of minor updates to each MZD Connect-equipped model.

Do you own a Mazda with MZD Connect? Do you find the system easy to use?

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