Picture caption: Pravin
Shah, President and Chief Executive (Automotive), Mahindra & Mahindra with
Srinivas Arvapalli, Vice President- Product Development, M&M
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd
(M&M Ltd) has announced that it had become a member of the Open Automotive
Alliance (OAA), a global alliance of vehicle manufacturers, with leading edge
technology, committed to bringing the Android platform to cars. The announcement was made at Google I/O,
Google's developer conference in San Francisco, recently.
In a press release, the
company stated that in the Indian automotive space, Mahindra has always been a
pioneer in automotive electronics, with many innovative and industry-first
technologies to its credit. Under the
aegis of this association with Google and the OAA, Mahindra is getting ready to
provide its customers with the next level of connectivity through Android Auto.
Android Auto extends the
Android platform into the car in a way that is purpose-built for driving. It
offers next generation solution in connectivity by linking smart phones and
tablets with an in-vehicle infotainment system. In fact it is designed for
safer and easier access to information that the driver may require while
driving. For example, eyes-free technology like voice and spoken directions
combined with integrated controls (like steering wheel buttons) to reduce
driver intervention significantly. With simple, intuitive interfaces and voice
actions, Android Auto is expected to enhance the driving experience by being
connected always, while also improving comfort and safety.
Pravin Shah, President and
Chief Executive (Automotive), Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “We are happy to
be part of the OAA and being the first Indian OEM to be part of this
prestigious global alliance, it is indeed a moment we are proud of. At Mahindra
we have always been committed to introducing newer technological offerings in
our vehicles in an endeavour to create an enriched user experience and provide
better value technologies to our customers. Going forward, after successful
integration, we will be offering Android Auto in our flagship models of XUV 500
and the Scorpio as well as on our future platforms. I am confident that this will help us in
taking a quantum leap in offering connectivity solutions to our customers”.
Mahindra currently offers the Blue
Sense App which enables customers to connect with the vehicle using Bluetooth
technology. Going forward, on integration of Android Auto, the owners of
Mahindra vehicles will have in-car access to Google Maps and other specially
adapted Google Services and third party apps via an infotainment screen through
simplified interactions, thereby being connected always for a pleasurable
driving experience.
Source:
Mahindra & Mahindra