Instead of using Apple’s CarPlay infotainment system or Android Auto in its 2016 vehicles, Toyota has decided to use a company you’ve probably never heard of to provide navigation and phone connectivity.
Toyota’s first vehicle with the tech will be the 2016 Tacoma pickup, outfitted with a Scout GPS Link unit from Telnav Inc. The Scout GPS link systems don’t support CarPlay, but instead allow you to use your iPhone or Android to pull up driving directions on the Toyota dashboard.
The Japanese carmaker’s reluctance to let Apple and Google take control of the dashboard comes just a day after Volkswagen announced it was supporting CarPlay and Android Auto in nearly all of its 2016 models. Even Ford, which has taken a hardline against Apple and Google’s automotive ambitions, still allows users to access CarPlay and Android Auto on some SYNC units.
One feature that distinguishes the Scout GPS Link from CarPlay and Android is it allows a split screen view of navigation and music controls, so you don’t have to bounce from app to app while trying to drive. TelNav is based out of Sunnyvale, California, and though it’s small in size, the company also provides navigation systems for GM and Ford.
Source: Bloomberg
Buster Hein is a freelance writer who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Twitter: @bst3r.
14 responses to “Toyota shuns CarPlay for some nav system you’ve never heard of”
Apple should just buy Telnav… scratch that, they should just buy Toyota.
On a more serious note. I have been driving Camry’s since 1992, but my next car WILL support wireless CarPlay. If Toyota wants to be stupid, then they will lose a long time customer.
I agree. I’ve been a big fan of Lexus for the past 7 years, but I won’t be buying another one if it doesn’t support CarPlay.
I work at Lexus and love their products (even if I can’t afford them) but Toyota across the board needs to really catch up in their technology department
And Canada just gave them 100 million bucks. What good are politicians.
We are waiting to get our next car until there are enough CarPlay choices.
Well the settles it. I am a current Toyota owner, and honestly the Electronics options are a joke. Goodbye Toyota Hello GM.I was going to buy a new truck in 2016 and a big factor will be CarPlay support.
We have two Toyotas. Can’t stand the newer (2012) Info/Nav system. All this news just as Volkswagen is getting their CarPlay models on the lot this weekend. Hmmmm…
People are funny – they get hung up on the small things. Toyotas are excellent vehicles. I have had great success with them over the years. I am not about to make a purchase decision strictly because a vehicle does or does not have CarPlay. So long as bluetooth is an option I will be happy.
You’re right that it is a small issue, but it is a double edged sword. Toyotas last forever which is fantastic when it comes to their resale value and cost of ownership BUT it means that you’re going for the next 20 years with “just blueooth” and no carplay.
A lot of car dealers have said they are terrified of giving up control to apple. They have been making it harder and harder to replace even replace stereos in cars, which is a damn shame.
I love my Prius C but I never use the in dash nav and apps. I was really hoping my next Prius would have CarPlay but maybe I’ll look at something else after all.
When will everybody catch up with Tesla’s infotainment system?
Just because you’ve never heard of Telnav doesn’t mean anything. They have millions of units on the road as opposed to Apple who have yet to put even one OEM unit on the street. I’m an Apple fan, but I’m not basing my next car purchase on the ability of the dash to show Apple Maps.
I really like my 2013 Prius, best car I’ve ever owned. I don’t see this as a deal breaker. CarPlay, for now, is a tie breaker and I don’t see a tie.