General Motors Co GM plans to phase out the popular Apple Inc's AAPL Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technologies that allow drivers to bypass a vehicle's infotainment systems, starting with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer.
GM proposes to shift to built-in infotainment systems developed with Alphabet Inc GOOG GOOGL Google for future electric cars, Reuters reports.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems allow users to mirror their smartphone screens in a vehicle's dashboard display.
The shift could help the automaker capture more data on how consumers drive and charge EVs while serving as a setback for the iPhone maker in its bid to capture more real estate on vehicle dashboards in North America.
GM is designing the onboard navigation and infotainment systems for future EVs in partnership with Google, which dates back to 2019.
GM is accelerating a strategy for its EVs to be platforms for digital subscription services. By 2035, GM's goal is to phase out the production of new combustion light-duty vehicles.
GM's chief digital officer and Mike Himche told Reuters that he did not want to design these features in a way dependent on a person having a cellphone.
Buyers of GM EVs with the new systems will get access to Google Maps and Google Assistant, a voice command system, at no extra cost for eight years.
GM CEO Mary Barra aims for $20 billion to $25 billion in annual revenue from subscriptions by 2030. It plans to continue offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mirroring systems in its combustion models.
Owners of vehicles with mirroring technologies can still avail of the systems. GM said that drivers will still be able to listen to music or make phone calls on iPhones or Android smartphones using Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
Price Action: GM shares traded higher by 1.46% at $36.52 on the last check Friday.
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