Summary
- WAMS at LaFontaine Chevrolet in Plymouth, MI offers a kit to add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to GM EVs
- The kit aims to provide full functionality without issues or a clear cost
- Despite GM omitting Apple CarPlay in its new EVs, the WAMS kit adds it back in a stock-like manner
- The CarPlay kit provides OEM-level functionality, wireless or wired, with compatible resolutions for different GM models
- It is unclear how the kit works, its price, potential impact on warranty or OTA updates, but is available for installation at LaFontaine Chevrolet in Plymouth, MI
Article
Adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at LaFontaine Chevrolet in Plymouth, MI
White Automotive & Media Services (WAMS) is offering a solution to add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at LaFontaine Chevrolet in Plymouth, MI. The kit promises to provide full functionality of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto without any issues. While the cost of the upgrade is not clear, this option is a game-changer for GM EV owners who have been disappointed by the lack of such features in their vehicles.
The Impact of GM’s Omission of Apple CarPlay
General Motors has faced criticism for omitting Apple CarPlay in its new software setup for EVs. While some may not find this omission bothersome, the overall public response to GM’s decision has not been positive. The availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in other EVs like the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX, which are essentially GM vehicles, may have contributed to their success. However, with the aftermarket solution from WAMS, Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC owners now have the option to add Apple CarPlay back to their vehicles.
WAMS CarPlay Kit Features
The aftermarket CarPlay kit from WAMS seamlessly integrates with GM Ultium cars, offering full functionality in line with other GM vehicles. The kit supports wireless or wired connections, depending on the model, and features a user-friendly interface that fits neatly into the car’s display. It provides turn-by-turn directions via Apple Maps, with the option to display information on the vehicle’s HUD if available. The kit is designed to maintain the aesthetic and functionality of the original CarPlay system.
Comparing Software Systems in EVs
The similarity between the Android-based software used in Honda’s Prologue and ZDX models and GM’s Ultium-based crossovers suggests that enabling Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in GM vehicles may be a straightforward process. It appears that GM’s decision to exclude these features may have been a last-minute choice, as evidenced by the intentional design of CarPlay sync menus. While WAMS has not disclosed the specifics of how the CarPlay kit works, the availability of this aftermarket solution at LaFontaine Chevrolet in Plymouth, MI provides hope for GM EV owners seeking these features.
Concerns and Information on the CarPlay Kit
Despite the benefits of the WAMS CarPlay kit, questions remain regarding its impact on warranty, OTA updates, and pricing. It is unclear if installing the CarPlay kit will void the vehicle’s warranty or affect future software updates. Additionally, the availability of the kit exclusively at LaFontaine Chevrolet in Plymouth, MI may limit accessibility for GM EV owners in other locations. As more information becomes available from WAMS and GM, potential customers are encouraged to reach out for further details on the installation process and pricing.
Conclusion
The introduction of the WAMS CarPlay kit offers a promising solution for GM EV owners who have been missing out on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. While GM’s decision to exclude these features initially may have been met with criticism, the aftermarket option from WAMS provides a viable alternative. With the ability to seamlessly integrate CarPlay into GM Ultium cars and maintain OEM-level functionality, this kit opens up new possibilities for enhancing the user experience in GM electric vehicles. As interest in the CarPlay kit grows, further information from WAMS and GM will shed light on the installation process, pricing, and potential impacts on warranty and software updates.
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