General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. are expanding availability of in-vehicle communications systems that allow users to download applications directly from dashboard screens, the companies said in separate announcements.
GM this summer will introduce Chevrolet AppShop on selected models, including the brand's Silverado light- and medium-duty pickups.
Accessible through an icon on the control screen of the automaker's MyLink infotainment screen, users will be able to download applications focused on weather, music, news and travel directly to the vehicle, GM said. The automaker also will offer an app that lets drivers monitor the vehicle's maintenance data, include diagnostic reports, repair notifications, and contact information and appointment scheduling for service visits, the company said.
Chevrolet was slated to demonstrate the system at the Consumer Electronics Show, scheduled for Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas.
Just ahead of that annual technology conference, Ford Motor Co. announced the expansion of its available Sync AppLink service to an additional 3.4 million vehicles. Currently, the AppLink service — which was launched in 2010 — is available on about 1 million Ford vehicles, the company said. Vehicles built in model year 2010 and forward will be eligible to download the service, Ford said.
The Sync AppLink system can control more than 60 smart phone mobile apps on Apple and Android platforms using voice commands, Ford said.
By Truck Fleet Management
