To start with, the 2016 Honda Accord will be the first model to get CarPlay and Android Auto. GM previously announced most of its 2016 model year cars would offer these features, and Hyundai is making them available in its Sonata mid-size sedan, with more models promised.
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During a press event at the new facility in Mountain View Thursday, Honda’s R&D Americas President, Frank Paluch said the decision to unveil the new Accord in Silicon Valley, rather than a vehicle show or industry event, was a sign of a mindset shift for the company as it looks to keep up with changes in technology. Certainly, this is a great leap from the company’s last tie up with Android, wherein a custom Android Ice Cream Sandwich in-dash system was used. This system will provide additional information to drivers such as collision warnings, lane assistance, and adaptive cruise control.
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Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are gaining rapid acceptance by automakers. This allows users to fully control the display settings, audio system, and other features of the vehicle. It’s unclear, however, when cars aside from the 2016 Accord will ship with Android Auto and CarPlay onboard. The Accord Sedan in Touring trim gets heated rear seats, front and rear parking sensors and new rain-sensing windshield wipers. Available transmissions include a sporty and fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the 4-cylinder engines, unique 6-speed manuals for the 4-cylinder and V-6 engines, and a 6-speed automatic for V-6 models. In 2014, more than 97 percent of the Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the U.S. were produced in North America.
