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Auto group will use Android Auto exclusively so drivers will actually use infotainment centers
June 14, 2025
When was the last time you actually used your vehicle’s in-dash infotainment system to do things like getting navigation directions or streaming music via Spotify? Probably never, right? Most people just use their smartphones for tasks like that, because their vehicle’s infotainment system is difficult to use or lacks features they need.
The world’s largest automaker — the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance — is finally ceding that this is how consumers do things and just signed a deal withGoogleto makeAndroid Autothe exclusive infotainment OS in its vehicles, viaThe Wall Street Journal. Starting in 2021, RNMA will put Android Auto in all of its supported vehicles, which means by 2022 Android Auto could be in millions of cars across the United States.
Last year, RNMA sold a combined 10.6 million vehicles globally and projects that in 2022 it will sell around 14 million vehicles, so this is a considerable win for Google and Android Auto.
With Android Auto built in as the default infotainment system, drivers will have access to apps from theGoogle Play Store, navigation viaGoogle Maps, and smart voice-activated controls viaGoogle Assistant, no smartphone necessary.
Historically, automakers have been reluctant to install third-party systems like Android Auto due to the fact that Google will use the customer data to make money. But consumers’ attachments to their phones, Google’s open-source Android system, and maybe some ofthese safety statisticsfinally won over RNMA, which hopefully means other automakers will soon follow.
This year atGoogle I/O 2018, Volvo showcaseda prototype vehiclewith Android Auto built in. It looks like after a decade of trying, Google is finally gaining steam in the automobile space which will put them way ahead of rivals like Apple. However, the pairing of Apple devices to the Android Auto systems will still be possible.
What do you think? Would the inclusion of Android Auto with a vehicle influence your decision to buy it? Let us know in the comments!
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