Mahindra & Mahindra to Offer Android Auto in Its Vehicles

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd , India's top-selling utility vehicle maker, plans to offer Google Inc's Android Auto technology in its vehicles, a top company executive said in a statement on Tuesday.

The technology, which links smart phones and tablets with an in-vehicle infotainment system, will be available in Mahindra's sports utility vehicles XUV 500 and Scorpio as well as future platforms, said Pravin Shah, president and CEO, automotive unit.

Shah said it would be made available after "successful integration", without committing to a timeline.

Android Auto, an extension of Google's smart phone operating system, is expected to make driving safer and easier by allowing drivers to access applications like maps through voice command or by using controls on the steering wheel.

The company, part of the $17 billion Mahindra Group, also said it has become a member of the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA), a global group of automakers and technology companies working to bringing the Android platform to cars.

Automakers such as Ford, Honda, Renault and Volkswagen are part of the alliance which also includes Google, Delphi and LG among others.

Last week, Hyundai became the first carmaker to offer Google's Android Auto system built into its cars. It will ship in its 2015 Sonata model with the built-in navigation option.

Existing Sonata owners must have inbuilt navigation that's part of an optional technology package. Android Auto will soon be available on other Hyundai models.

Written with inputs from Reuters