More than 500 Car Models among 50 Brands support Android Auto

Android Auto has spread like a virus among auto manufacturers across the world. I've even seen some "custom" kits that people can adapt as we use to do with Pioneer stereo systems on older vehicles that support both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

More than half of New Cars

About one year ago (the most recent market share analysis I found), Canalys was reporting that more than half of new vehicles delivered in Europe and the U.S. include support for either one of the two infotainment systems available. It is kind of a "must have" feature that will continue spreading across the remaining vehicles shortly.

Last month, I went to Europe to test the new Audi Q2 (which I'll be reviewing soon), and just the use of Google Maps was a huge advantage compared to the Audi native Navigation System. Either with all the connectivity and the traffic updates, the benefit provided by GMaps was considerably better. And this, just to mention one single advantage. I'll leave the rest for the review.

New Major Update on the Way

Google has just announced today that a new major update is on the way this summer. You can find a sneak peek of details on the next video ;)

Available for Older Vehicles

Yes, not directly by the vehicle manufacturer, but you can actually install an "old style" onboard infotainment system with the entire set of features, when it comes to connectivity, that these systems provide. 

One simple one is the XAV-AX100 Receiver, which works seamlessly with smartphones just as any modern new car does.

Android Auto Apple CarPlay Custom Box

Custom Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatible entertainment system for vehicles that don't come with it.

So, either case, I strongly suggest you have it in mind for your next/current vehicle. The value it delivers is worth enough for a 2019 driver.

About the author

Jorge Diaz is a passionate car lover, winter driver & Software Engineer. For the last 10 years, he has built Online Solutions used by more than 5,000 companies across the globe. He founded LeaseCosts in 2016 with the purpose of simplifying and helping Canadians to better understand the complex market of car leasing in Canada. You can connect with him at Leantrepreneurship.com.

Jorge is also the author of Car Leasing Done Right: A Canadian Guide for Understanding & Optimizing Vehicle Leasing Costs, released on Nov. 5th, 2021. It is available at Amazon.ca