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General Motors has announced it will beginning rolling out new infotainment systems based on the Android mobile operating system from 2021. By using the Android operating system, GM will be able to offer navigation using a Google Maps app built into the head unit. For cars with internet connectivity this means access to live traffic information and automatic rerouting.

Kia and Fujitsu Australia have teamed up to develop a cleaner interface for emergency service vehicles. Rather than relying on bulky, tacked-on instruments, the system integrates into Kia's existing infotainment system. Based on a Stinger, the car pictured here relies on a Fujitsu software platform (which appears to have its roots in Google's Android platform) that pulls disparate technologies like active numberplate recognition, sirens and internal messaging into the one interface.

Google Maps will now show whether your nearest electric charging point is occupied the USA and UK. All users need to do is open the app on their phone, or the website on their desktop, and search for 'EV charging stations' for a live list of how many plugs are free at EVgo, SemaConnect and Chargemaster stations.

Among all the shiny things included in Apple's latest iPhone software update is an exciting development for CarPlay users – finally, you can use Google Maps through your car's touchscreen. Huzzah! UPDATE: Waze is coming, but it's not available right now. Apologies for the error. The news was announced at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June this year, but it's now officially available to users as part of the iOS12.0 update released alongside the new iPhone XS, XS Max and XR.

Toyota has been named the most valuable automotive brand in the BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands chart, with an estimated worth of US$29,987 million ($39,400 million). Placing 36th on the countdown, the Japanese brand beat fellow automotive manufacturers Mercedes-Benz (46th) and BMW (47th) in the top 50, with Ford (96th) and Honda (97th) just slipping in the top 100.