GM auto dealers are criticizing the end of CarPlay support
3 min readA few months ago, we reported that future electric cars from general motors will not bear carplay. Instead, a new ownership system will be built into the brand’s cars, which was developed in partnership with Googlewhich is still lacking in many details – although the release of the first cars with the novelty is scheduled for the coming months.
What you do have, however, are many complaints from GM dealers concerned about the effect this new system will have on sales. according to Detroit Free Pressit will already be released in models such as Chevrolet SilveradoAnd Equestrian jacketAnd GMC Sierra that it Cadillac Celesticbut there are still tests or communications addressed to the brand’s commercial representatives.
In addition to 98% of cars in the US have CarPlay, and the satisfaction rate is very high (57%), against 50% special systems and 44% to Android Auto. So, some vendors, for example, said that they still do not know in detail which of the new programs will be implemented, and also remember that there are no exact problems that need to be fixed in Apple’s solution.
As far as is known, the GM system will use Bluetooth to connect to a smartphone, supporting phone calls, messages, and map navigation. However, the new software should not have access to the contacts saved on the iPhone, which would make a series of commands impossible. For that, you will need to use the Google Contacts feature instead.
As one of the vendors interviewed by a company Detroit Free PressGM’s system “can’t just work. It has to be the best on the market. Better than CarPlay.” GM, in turn, has ensured that its system will contain everything that Apple’s solution already offers.
Another sales rep complained about spending time and effort on the issue amid major vehicle launches, noting that the move could go wrong for a variety of reasons. It is not known, for example, whether GM software such as CarPlay will be updated, although it was done in partnership with Google.
It’s also worth noting that there are cars – including GM cars (!) – that use Google’s systems, yet they support CarPlay. Adding this fact to the manufacturer’s unqualified profit forecast with subscriptions related to the new software in the coming years, the company’s goal for this change is very clear.
It has been said by General Motors that resources such as Google Maps will only be free for eight years. So, although there are promises that the system itself will be free, the basic features will depend, in the long run, on subscription.
However, some vendors indicated that the change could cost the company’s sales. The development and maintenance of this software as well, complicating the calculation as to whether the change would really be the right decision. With the adoption of the new system, of course, GM is also taking a stand against the new CarPlay, which should launch this year with greater integration between the car and Apple’s software.
via Camel
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