Mahindra vehicles to get Android Auto

Mahindra & Mahindra has announced that it had become a member of the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA), a global alliance of vehicle manufacturers, committed to bringing the Android platform to cars. The announcement was made at Google I/O, Google's developer conference in San Francisco.

Under the aegis of this association with Google and the OAA, Mahindra will provide its customers with connectivity through Android Auto, which extends the Android platform into the car in a way that is purpose-built for driving. It offers a solution in connectivity by linking smart phones and tablets with the in-vehicle infotainment system. Mahindra will be offering Android Auto in its XUV 500 and the Scorpio models as well as its future platforms.

It comes with eyes-free technology like voice and spoken directions combined with integrated controls (like steering wheel buttons), which are said to reduce driver intervention significantly and improve safety.

At present, Mahindra is offering 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, other Google Services and third party apps via an infotainment screen.