Toyota to add Android Auto to its US range – report
Smartphone mirroring technology set to finally join company's North American vehicle range
With Apple CarPlay already available in Toyota and Lexus models overseas, the company will reportedly soon add Android Auto compatibility too.
A source, who asked to remain anonymous, has informed Bloomberg Toyota will soon begin adding Android Auto support to cars sold in North America.
According to another source, Toyota could make an announcement about availability as early as October this year.
The company has so far resisted the smartphone mirroring technology on privacy and safety grounds. It's not entirely clear what changed the company's mind.
A unnamed company spokesperson did acknowledge to the news wire there was strong demand from customers for Android Auto, and that it was something Toyota was considering.
While other automakers have enthusiastically embraced Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Toyota has considerably more circumspect.
Toyota's first Apple CarPlay compatible vehicle was the fifth-generation Avalon large sedan, which was launched early in 2018. While CarPlay support has since spread to other Toyota and Lexus models in the North American lineup, including the new Corolla hatch and Lexus UX crossover, it has yet to surface in Australia-bound cars.
Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay mirror supported smartphone apps and functions, such as navigation, music and podcast players, and phone connectivity, in a way that's simpler and easier to use when on the go.
Australia
A spokesperson from Toyota has confirmed the company is developing CarPlay for the Australian market, and is "looking at introducing this as soon as possible".
As for Android Auto? "As far as other platforms are concerned we have nothing further to announce at this stage," the spokesperson said.
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