In a recent interview on the Decoder podcast, Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, firmly stated that the automaker has no plans to implement Apple's next-generation CarPlay across all screens within its vehicles. Despite the tech giant's push to expand its phone-mirroring features to include not just the central touchscreen but also other displays like the gauge cluster, Källenius advocates for a more controlled approach.
Apple's revamped CarPlay, announced back in 2022, aims to take over essential vehicle functions such as HVAC controls and vehicle metrics displays. This ambitious upgrade is already slated for adoption by manufacturers like Porsche and Aston Martin. However, Källenius emphasized the importance of maintaining a "holistic software architecture" that aligns with Mercedes-Benz's standards for delivering a superior technological experience to its customers.
Instead of following the trend set by its competitors, Mercedes-Benz is choosing to deepen its collaboration with Google. Källenius highlighted an upcoming navigation feature built on Google Maps, which will be developed with significant input from Mercedes’ own engineers. This move underscores the brand's commitment to crafting a unique user experience that integrates seamlessly with its luxury vehicles' sophisticated systems.
While some automakers, including General Motors, have recently chosen to exclude phone-mirroring services like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from their new lines, Mercedes-Benz remains open to these technologies. Källenius reassured that customers who prefer these interfaces could continue to use them, although the integration won't be as extensive as Apple might hope.
"Our stance is not about excluding technologies that our customers find valuable," Källenius explained. "We offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Customers can use them as they see fit within the limits we provide."
The Mercedes-Benz CEO's remarks reflect a clear boundary the company is drawing in terms of how much control it is willing to cede to third-party software within its vehicles. By prioritizing a comprehensive, brand-specific user experience, Mercedes-Benz aims to ensure that its luxury vehicles retain an edge in an increasingly tech-driven auto industry.
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