Ford CEO Jim Farley said the brand will continue to offer Apple CarPlay even after rival General Motors said it would not include the feature in its upcoming electric models.
In an interview with The The Wall Street JournalMr. Farley discussed why Ford chose to maintain Apple’s infotainment integration.
“70% of our Ford customers in the US are Apple customers,” he said.
“Why would I go to an Apple customer and say ‘good luck’?”
General Motors is rolling out an Android Automotive-based infotainment system, but while other brands offer the technology with Apple CarPlay, the American automaker’s rival is Apple CarPlay. phasing out this smartphone mirroring feature from your electric car.
The company says it’s doing this because many of its new driver-assist features are “more tightly coupled with navigation,” but it acknowledges that there are subscription revenue opportunities.
Mr. Farley said that the data from the Android Automotive infotainment system does not make money and will focus Ford’s efforts on other areas.
“In terms of content, we lost that game 10 years ago. So let’s be realistic with it, because you’re not going to make a lot of money from the content inside the medium,” he said. The Wall Street Journal.
“It will be safety, security, partial autonomy and productivity in our eyes.
“So the content relationship is between you, The Wall Street Journal, and customers. I don’t want to interfere, but Tesla and other companies have a different view.
“They want full control over the interior experience.”
Apple announced last year it is significantly upgrading Apple CarPlay integration.
The upcoming overhaul for Apple CarPlay will offer multi-screen support that will automatically extend and self-optimize for the displays on the digital dashboard.
Apple has also added functionality for users to change temperature and air conditioning settings and switch radio stations.
Recently, Google’s Android Automotive has found a place in countless vehicles.
Volvo and Polestar are currently using Android Automotive, while other companies implementing the technology include BMW, Honda, Renault and Stellantis, among others.
SEE ALSO: Apple CarPlay: Dive into the next generation
MORE: Android Automotive: Who is partnering with Google?
