Lexus USA has “No Plans” to Use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto Systems

Posted by Kevin on February 23rd, 2015

According to an article in the New York Times, Toyota (and Lexus) will be not be adopting Apple’s CarPlay or Google’s Android Auto replacement infotainment software any time soon:

John Hanson, the national manager of Toyota’s advanced technology communications, said while the company talked frequently with both Google and Apple, it currently had no plans to adopt Android Auto or CarPlay in the United States.

“We may all eventually wind up there, but right now we prefer to use our in-house proprietary platforms for those kinds of functions,” Mr. Hanson said.

As anyone that follows the tech industry knows, the battle between Apple & Google has lead to significant improvements in smartphones, online maps, and all sorts of Internet related software.

Now, automotive infotainment systems are now going to benefit from this tech giant competition — disappointing that Lexus has decided to sit this one out, as it’s sure to be of great interest to consumers.

(Just to be clear, I’ve confirmed that this statement applies to Lexus as well.)

[Source: New York Times via: Mac Rumors]

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Comments
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NO!!! The lags... The inconsistencies... The lack of updates... The incompatibilities... If anything, at least have a user interface that is unique to Lexus and not shared with Toyota.
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    Nate Wiener
  • February 24, 2015
Disappointing. They must think their in-house proprietary system is on par with Apple or Google's systems, which is disturbing. They won't have much luck attracting the younger demographic they're seeking with the NX & RC if they don't improve the infotainment system pronto.
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    lexusfguy
  • February 24, 2015
This is a bad move by Lexus. I was told by a corporate guy that it was a privacy issue and they Apple and Google wanted too much customer information. The problem is that a Gen Y will make a decision to not even look at a car if it is not technologically advanced enough. That is my only complaint about Lexus, the tech is subpar.
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    rayaans
  • February 24, 2015
Maybe they're thinking of pairing with microsoft? Just a thought.......
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    PTien
  • February 24, 2015
At least there will be LED Fog lamps.... =P
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I am not expert in this field for sure. If they are concerned about privacy, then why not add another disclaimer for CarPlay when you turn it on. There's a disclaimer on everything from cup holders to picking your boogers in a car. This is a step backwards and their in-car tech is lagging even compared to bargain brands. #imo
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    Joe0103
  • March 5, 2015
I think Lexus is making a dire mistake here. I'll use myself as a perfect example on why this decision will cost them dearly. I've been a staunch Japanese luxury vehicle fan because of the blend of quality and historical reliability. We buy our vehicles with the expectation of driving them 5 to 10 years because you can in this segment without worrying about dealing with the same longer term maintenance and reliability issues you would with the German luxury equivalents. My generation and every generation after mine has grown up with technology being at the forefront of our purchasing decisions. If I'm dropping $65k on a vehicle and paying a premium on an infotainment system I now expect some future proofing (upgradeability) as a part of that because my computer, phone and TV have all trained me to expect that. Android Auto and Apple Car can and will provide that. Do you really think the streaming music app of 2015 will the same in 2020? And look at how Apple’s Siri, Google Now, Microsoft’s Cortana and Amazon’s Alexa have evolved from a voice recognition and artificial intelligence perspective in just a few years. Therein lies the dilemma. If you are a car maker in 2016 (and beyond) offering a non-app-upgradeable proprietary system you will inherently lose a big demographic. You will also dis-incentivize your loyal customer base from buying because leasing will be the only way to protect yourself from being stuck with obsolete technology. There's the rub though. If you are going to lease, you no longer care about reliability and therefore will purchase based upon styling and handling and many would argue that Germany has the advantage there. I was planning to purchase the 2016 RX 350 F Sport but because of this very issue I have no choice but to go with the Audi Q7.

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