Ford says it’s working with Apple and Google on tighter integration of its respective CarPlay and Android Auto platforms, but the auto giant remains wary of putting too much power in the hands of smartphone giants.
CEO Mark Fields told Recode the company “doesn’t want to end up in the handset business” where vehicle choice depends on the ability to support an on-dash smartphone ecosystem.
Ford has taken a more proactive approach to smartphone integration than most automakers in recent years.
The company has its own infotainment system, Ford Sync, which allows Android and iOS owners to take calls and use certain smartphone apps hands-free.
The company’s CTO, Raj Nair, says it will be ready to add more iOS and Android functionality to Sync if consumers want it.
For example, Nair reiterated January’s news that customers use Google Maps but can listen to Sirius Radio via Sync. Currently, CarPlay and Android Auto can only be used as secondary tools and not as primary means of navigation.
“We want to make sure you’re not being pressured into making a $40,000 car decision based on your $200 smartphone,” Nair said.
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Ford also said it hopes to add cellular capabilities to a larger portion of its vehicle fleet.
“You’re going to see that spread out so that we can add this ability to all of our vehicles,” Fields added.