There are still a few notable holdouts to Android Auto in the automotive industry. In fact 95% of the cars sold around the world now support Android Auto but so many of us are stuck with manufacturers who continue to think they can out-software a software company.
Lexus seem to have seen the light according to CarAdvice with their new Lexus UX range arriving with Android Auto (and Apple CarPlay) by the end of the year. This is a nice addition to the debut of Android Auto (for Lexus in Australia) with the new ‘facelifted’ Lexus RX receiving Android auto in Q4 of this year.
The facelifted RX will be the first Lexus in Australia to gain ….. Android Auto technology as standard in the fourth quarter of 2019. We are finalising plans for the introduction of this technology to other Lexus models by year’s end – this includes a dealer upgrade program for existing UX ownersLexus spokesperson to Car Advice
This statement is taken to mean that current UX owners will be able to upgrade their infotainment system to Android Auto but is likely to not be free, based on the actions of other manufacturers who have offered the same upgrade pathways.
For some reason many local manufacturers are hesitant to introduce Android Auto into their cars even though their overseas counterparts — even those in the super-litigious country of the USA — have included it for a long time. Yes they are scared of being sued if someone crashes while using the Android Auto or Apple CarPlay interfaces — for some reason they don’t realise that Google and Apple have specific constraints to make sure the users keep their eyes on the road.
In any case, Lexus are finally bowing to the sheer weight of numbers. A vast majority of consumers would much prefer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay over their own inept and clunky infotainment systems that they have been frustrating us with for years.
As someone who is currently shopping for a new car I won’t even consider one that does not have Android Auto. How about you?
