Toyota Cars Won't Have Android Auto Just Yet Over Data Security Concerns

The inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay has pretty much made infotainment systems standardised across different cars, as more and more users choose to pair their smartphones for easy accessibility. However, Toyota Motor Corporation has categorically refrained from offering Android Auto connectivity across its vehicles across multiple brands including Toyota and Lexus, despite the massive popularity. And it now seems the wait is only going to be longer as the Japanese auto giant still isn't ready to offer the connectivity system due to privacy concerns. With reports of Google collecting data from Android Auto users, the company is not ready to take the plunge with the connectivity system yet.

As per a report by Motor1, Toyota said that it was a "conservative company and wanted to make sure everything was okay" before introducing the feature. The automaker added saying, "We wanted to protect our customers privacy. We strongly believe in our stance and in what we're doing."

(Toyota's luxury arm Lexus too has refrained from using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on its offerings)

What is Android Auto?

Android Auto is a mobile app that mirrors the information from an Android-based smartphone to the car's infotainment system. The connectivity system offers to mirror content including Google Maps, telephony, messaging apps, music, and more. The system was first announced in 2014 and made it on vehicles from 2015 onwards. In 2017, Google introduce Wireless Android Auto for Google Pixel and Nexus devices, which negated the need to connect the smartphone with the car with a USB chord.

While Android Auto has been appreciated for its universal nature, Toyota has refrained introducing the feature. In fact, the automaker introduced Apple CarPlay (Apple's equivalent to Android Auto) on the 2018 Toyota Avalon in January this year, a first for any vehicle from the manufacturer.

(The upcoming Toyota Yaris for India misses out Android Auto and Apple CarPlay)

Toyota's concerns over Android Auto date back to 2015 when a report by American publication Motor Trend alleged that Google was collecting unnecessary data including "vehicle speed, throttle position, collant and oil temperature, engine revs" whenever someone activated Android Auto. In contrast, Apple said that it only collected data to know if the vehicle is moving when Apple CarPlay is in use. While Google refuted the accusations, it did agree to collecting some data at the time which users chose to share in a bid to improve their experience and provide more accurate navigation through the car's GPS system.

Three-years since the claim, Toyota still has concerns over the use of Android Auto, and continues to offer its own in-car infotainment system. That said, most manufacturers haven't been too comfortable in handing over the in-car infotainment systems to third party companies, and choose to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to its own versions.