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Honda to launch seven global EVs under its ‘0’ Series’ – 100% electrification by 2040 target maintained
At Honda’s recent business briefing, the Japanese carmaker outlined its electrification initiatives and investment strategy for the coming years. To kick things off, the company said it has not changed it belief that electric vehicles (EVs) are the most effective solution in the area of small mobility products such as motorcycles and automobiles.
As such, it is maintaining its electrification target to make EVs and FCEVs (fuel cell electric vehicles) represent 100% of its global vehicle sales by 2040. Looking at the trend from a longer-term perspective, Honda is confident that the EV shift will continue to proceed steadily,” said Honda’s director, president and representative executive officer (global CEO), Toshihiro Mibe.
“Without getting too caught up in the current changes in the situation, Honda must look ahead to the period of EV popularisation, which will begin in the second half of the 2020s and build a strong EV brand and a strong EV business from a medium- to long-term perspective,” he added.
The company is also sticking to its plan announced three years ago to make EVs and FCEVs represent 40% of its global auto sales by 2030, and to produce more than two million EVs. To support the planned production, Honda will establish a vertically-integrated EV value chain with a central focus on batteries.
The targets set for this initiative include reducing the cost of batteries procured in North America by more than 20% compared to what’s current by 2030. This will be backed by the joint venture with LG Energy Solution, which will see an EV battery plant with an annual capacity of 40 GWh begin operations in 2025.
The company is also working with GS Yuasa in Canada to develop EV batteries for in-house production. Honda will then proceed to internalise production by producing cathode materials with POSCO Future M, and separators with Asahi Kasei, at our respective new joint venture plants to be constructed. A competitive business structure will also be set up with the aim of reducing overall production cost by approximately 35%.
On the matter of products, the Honda 0 Series – a global EV series – will consist of seven models to be launched globally by 2030 covering various segments. These vehicles will follow the company’s M/M (Man Maximum, Machine Minimum) concept and are expected to be about 100 kg lighter compared to its initial EVs.
The first of the 0-branded EVs will be introduced in the second half of the 2020s and come with a digital UX (user experience), system-on-chip (SOC) for AI, comprehensive ADAS and a core ECU, the last of which consolidates multiple ECUs to form a single “brain” for the entire vehicle.
For the Chinese market, a total of 10 Honda-brand EVs will be introduced by 2027, with EVs set to represent 100% of automobile sales in China by 2035. The Ye series has already been unveiled there to join the e:N series currently available.
In Japan, the N-Van e:, a commercial-use small EV, will go in sale in the fall, while this year will see the introduction of electric motorcycles powered by the Honda Mobile Power Pack e: (MPP). Within fiscal year 2026 (FY2026), two more vehicles with MPPs will be launched.
As for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), Honda says there is still strong demand for such models in the market, so it will continue to further advance performance and enhance the line-up globally.
Naturally, these initiatives require a fair bit of investment, which is why Honda is planning to invest approximately 10 trillion yen (about RM300 billion) in resources over a 10-year period through FY2031.
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Yinson GreenTech revs up for Malaysia Autoshow 2024
As a leading force in sustainable mobility, Yinson GreenTech (YGT) is set to electrify the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 this coming May 22-26. For the first time ever, the five businesses under the YGT umbrella, namely drivEV, chargEV, rydeEV, digitalEV and marinEV, will exhibit together at an event, under the theme “Positively Charged – Energising the Electric Transition.”
The all-encompassing showcase will offer a comprehensive look at the brand’s EV solutions across land, sea and digital EV ecosystems for both consumers and businesses.
Before the show, visitors can ride autonomous shuttle bus services operated by eMooVit, a majority-owned company by YGT, from selected car parks to the main exhibition venue. Once they arrive, visitors seeking to explore the electrified future can visit YGT’s booth (Hall A, Booth A14) to learn more about its solutions for transport and logistics ecosystems.
Here’s what you can expect to find at the YGT showcase, which will offer a thorough on-the-ground experience:
drivEV: Visitors will have the opportunity to view the latest electric commercial and passenger vehicles available through drivEV’s leasing program.
rydeEV: Visitors can test drive the RYDER and HYPER electric bikes, with their convenient swappable battery system. YGT will also display rydeEV’s battery swapping cabinets at the booth and provide information on government rebates of up to RM2,400 that’s available for these eco-friendly two-wheelers.
chargEV: YGT’s charging infrastructure solutions provider will exhibit cutting-edge charging technology, featuring the latest Kempower and Alpitronic chargers. Additionally, chargEV will offer visitors the opportunity to participate in a brief survey. In exchange for valuable feedback, participants will receive RM20 in free charging credits redeemable through the chargEV app, which can be downloaded at the booth.
digitalEV: This YGT business will demonstrate its software development capabilities, where digital tools are developed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency for businesses.
marinEV: Visitors can gain a glimpse into the future of maritime sustainability through prototypes from marinEV’s electric crew transfer and light cargo vessels.
YGT representatives will be available throughout the event to connect with businesses seeking to implement sustainable practices. These representatives can discuss YGT’s holistic approach to EV fleet transition, encompassing leasing options, charging infrastructure solutions, and digital management tools.
So, join YGT at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 in MAEPS this May 22-26, from 10am to 10pm daily, to learn more about the future of green mobility!
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Six more highways to implement open payment system for toll collection in September – PLUS, SPE
Another six highways have agreed to implement the open payment system (OPS) for toll collection starting from September this year, Bernama reports. These will join the 12 highway concessionaires that have already implemented the OPS, works minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said.
The six highways are:
- North-South Expressway (PLUS)
- Seremban-Port Dickson Highway (SPDH)
- Linkedua Highway
- Grand Saga Highway
- Grand Sepadu Highway
- Setiawangsa-Pantai Expressway (SPE)
“The participation of these six highways means that a total of 35 lanes will be opened for the convenience of using the open payment system,” he said. He reiterated that the implementation of the OPS would provide motorists with another option for toll payment, as an alternative to existing methods such as Touch ‘n Go (TnG), SmartTag and radio frequency identification (RFID).
The 12 highways that are already offering the OPS are:
- Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE)
- Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP)
- Western Kuala Lumpur Traffic Dispersion Scheme Expressway (Sprint)
- Shah Alam Expressway (Kesas)
- SMART tunnel
- Maju Expressway (MEX)
- Sungai Besi Expressway (Besraya)
- New Pantai Expressway (NPE)
- Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (Akleh)
- Guthrie Corridor Highway(GCE)
- Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE)
- Penang Bridge
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Three-lorry accident on PLUS Sungkai to Slim River southbound – all lanes closed, exit Tapah or Bidor
Click to enlarge Take note, all who are planning to travel outstation today, or if you’re already on the road. An accident involving three lorries happened early this morning at KM367 of the PLUS North South Highway, southbound between Sungkai and Slim River.
As such, all three lanes of the highway are closed and removal works are ongoing, and PLUS is asking motorists heading from the north towards KL to exit at Tapah or Bidor.
The latest update provided by LLM is from 8.47 am, and it says that all lanes are still closed. A contra lane has been activated from KM366.6 to KM368.5, and traffic is slow for two kilometres before the Sungkai toll plaza.
Users are advised to take alternative routes. This means the Federal Route 1 a.k.a. ‘old road’ if you’re heading towards KL. The last exit you can take to avoid the accident site and Sungkai toll jam is Bidor. Drive safe.
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West Coast Expressway – Section 7 Tanjong Karang-Assam Jawa 71% completed, ready by March 2026
Construction of the Tanjong Karang-Assam Jawa alignment of Section 7 of the West Coast Expressway (WCE) has reached 71% and is expected to be completed by March 2026, reports Bernama.
According to works minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, the alignment is being constructed over two parts – Section 7A and Section 7B – covering a distance of 29.5 km. “Construction of Section 7A starts from the Assam Java Interchange to Sungai Terap Farm involving a distance of 19.5 km, while Section 7B from the Sungai Terap Farm to Tanjong Karang Interchange is 10-km long. As of April, work progress for Section 7A had reached 91%, while Section 7B was already at 44%” he said.
When completed, Section 7 of the WCE will reduce travel time for motorists by an hour compared to the existing federal road. This will also reduce traffic density on the North-South Expressway (NSE) as motorists are able to use the alignment as an alternative route, especially during weekends and festive seasons.
“We admit that the soil structure of the construction site is quite soft, which requires reclamation work to be done in stages, but we are confident that it is not a major issue, and that the construction can be completed within the specified period,” Nanta added.
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BAIC BJ40 Plus SUV open for booking in Malaysia – 221 hp/380 Nm 2.0T petrol, fr. RM180k-200k estimated
Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC) has made its debut in Malaysia, introducing two SUVs to mark its entry into the local market. The first is the X55 II, a C-segment SUV that will go up against the likes of the Proton X70 and Honda CR-V.
The second is this one, the BJ40 Plus, an off-road styled SUV with an exterior presentation more than reminiscent of the Jeep Wrangler and a moniker offering a nod to a familiar, long-running Japanese line.
Measuring in at 4,645 mm long, 1,925 mm wide and 1,871 mm tall, with a 2,745 mm-long wheelbase, the BJ40 Plus should be just the thing if you’re into boxy shapes and like the idea of having a vehicle with a detachable elements, because like the vehicle it borrows its idea from, items like the top cover and doors can be removed.
Design highlights on the body-on-frame offering include a five-hole front grille design, under bumper guards and off-road towing hooks, with a total of four to be found on the front and rear of the vehicle. Standard exterior kit includes LED front headlights and daytime running lights as well as LED combination tail lights.
Inside, you’ll find a cabin equipped with leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone air-conditioning, a 12.3-inch LCD instrument panel and a 10-inch central touchscreen display as well as ambient lighting.
Other interior specifications include a four-way powered driver’s seat, two USB ports, a six-speaker audio system and reverse camera. From a volume perspective, the rear trunk offers 532 litres of cargo space, and this can be expanded to 965 litres with the rear seats folded.
Only one variant form of the SUV will go on sale here, and it’ll be powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine that has 221 hp and 380 Nm of twist. The mill is paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and a Borg-Warner part-time four-wheel drive system, offering three modes, these being 2H/2L/4L.
As for pricing, it is estimated that the BAIC BJ40 Plus will go from RM180k to above RM190k. Like with the X55 II on-location example, the vehicle in these photos is also a pre-production unit, with the finalised CKD version – which will be assembled by EP Manufacturing (EPMB) at its plant in Melaka – only set to be delivered in the fourth quarter of the year.
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Check out the May specials from BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad at Auto Bavaria Balakong, May 17-19
The month of May this year marks the return of highly attractive deals from Auto Bavaria across the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands. Taking place at Auto Bavaria Balakong from May 17 to 19, 2024, from 9am to 6pm, there’s surely something to pique your interest.
This is where you’ll find the opportunity to put your name to a brand-new BMW with attractive rebates, low interest rate financing, a complimentary BMW Wallbox for purchases of selected models, along with an eight-year, 160,000 km warranty on the high-voltage battery on applicable models.
With the increasing EV presence in the automotive scene, Auto Bavaria Balakong is also hosting an EV Exhibition Tour throughout the weekend event. This is where attendees get to be EV-savvy by picking up useful tips from exploratory sessions on EV batteries, EV charging facilities, EV-specific tyres as well as the Auto Bavaria i-Service.
Here, EV components will be presented by product specialists who will be on location to explain how these aspects of electric motoring can benefit EV owners as well as the public. Best of all, these sessions will be fun and lively, and in layman terms for all to understand.
Joining in the fun is the iconic MINI, which promises an adventurous and active lifestyle that brightens up your drive anytime.
Here, the MINI brand takes part with benefits galore, including attractive cash rebates, low interest rates for financing, along with the MINI Service + Repair Inclusive Programme (MSRI). Adding pleasure to your work, at least on your commute? Corporate purchase discounts are available here, too, as part of the May specials on offer.
Being trendy goes hand-in-hand with being on the leading edge of what’s hot, and you’ll have noticed that there’s something veiled among the line of MINI models shown – head on to Auto Bavaria Balakong to find out!
For those of you who enjoy motoring on two wheels at least as much as on four, BMW Motorrad will also be present at Auto Bavaria Balakong for these May specials. BMW Motorrad models purchased from Auto Bavaria Balakong come with a three-year warranty, and hassle-free financing packages are on offer.
Test rides are available for the appropriately licensed, and if you prefer to venture beyond the brand-new range, pre-owned units are available, too.
Whether it’s urban mobility you’re after, with the C400 range or CE 04 electric scooters; the sport, roadster or heritage models if you crave speed and style, or the GS range of adventure bikes for those who want to take the road less travelled, there will be something for every current and aspiring biker.
Remember – the May specials at Auto Bavaria Balakong are on offer this week from May 17 to 19, 2024, from 9am to 6pm. Check out the Auto Bavaria website for more details, or head to the Auto Bavaria Facebook and Instagram pages to learn more.
*Terms and conditions apply.
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BAIC X55 in Malaysia – C-segment SUV with 188 PS 1.5T, 7DCT, deliveries Q4 2024, RM12xk to RM14xk est
Beijing-based carmaker BAIC has made its official debut in Malaysia, with two models being shown today. The most important of these is the X55, a C-segment SUV that competes with the likes of the Proton X70 and Honda CR-V.
The X55 will be offered in two variants – Standard and Premium, carrying estimated pricing of between RM12x,xxx and RM14x,xxx. One thing of note is that the car you see here is a pre-production unit – the finalised CKD version is only set to be delivered in the fourth quarter of the year, locally assembled at the EP Manufacturing (EPMB) plant in Melaka.
Our previous report erroneously classified the X55 as a B-segment SUV, but its dimensions easily put it in a class above. Measuring 4,620 mm long, 1,886 mm wide and 1,680 mm tall, the BAIC is nearly 100 mm longer, 55 mm wider and just 14 mm lower than the X70, while its 2,735 mm wheelbase is 65 mm longer. In fact, it’s only slightly smaller than benchmark Honda CR-V, which measures 4,691 mm long, 1,866 mm wide and 1,691 mm tall. Another indicator of the X55’s C-segment status is its independent multilink rear suspension.
Both variants are powered by the same 1.5 litre turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine that produces 188 PS at 5,500 rpm and 305 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. All that is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, enabling the X55 to get from zero to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.2 litres per 100 km on the WLTP cycle.
On the outside, the X55 certainly cuts a sharp figure, with slim L-shaped LED daytime running lights and taillights (the main LED headlights are mounted low down in the bumper), prominent bonnet creases, upswept window line and chrome window strips. The closed-off front end gives the car an EV-like look, enhanced by the hexagonal bumper pattern reminiscent of the Lexus RX. Flush pop-out door handles are also fitted.
At the rear, you’ll find a large split spoiler for a very sporty look. This will be enhanced by quad tailpipes that aren’t on the pre-production unit but will be visible on the finalised versions, similar to the Proton X50. A two-tone colour scheme will be available as an option with a black roof and door mirrors. Another quirk on this particular car is the “Beijing” badging, which will be replaced by “BAIC” on retail units.
Inside, the X55 features a minimalist appearance that’s all the rage among Chinese carmakers, with a sleek horizontal dashboard bookended by L-shaped corner air-con vents. There’s also a “floating” centre console with a flat gear selector, lots of open storage and a standard Qi wireless charger.
The front occupants sit on stylish power-adjustable seats with integrated headrests. The Standard model comes with faux leather upholstery, with the Premium getting red genuine leather as well as memory, heating and ventilation functions.
The X55 also comes with twin ten-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment, the latter incorporating the dual-zone climate controls. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be any Apple CarPlay or Android Auto functionality, but you do at least get Bluetooth and six speakers.
Other standard kit includes keyless entry, push-button start, a panoramic glass sunroof, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rear air-con vents, a reverse camera, a powered tailgate and six airbags. The Premium adds ten-colour ambient lighting, visible in the doors.
One unknown is the level of driver assistance systems on offer. The pre-production unit you see here doesn’t have them, but BAIC promised that the finalised versions will have front collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and blind spot warning. You won’t get lane keeping or lane centring, however, and there’s also no word on autonomous emergency braking.
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BYD EVolve Day this weekend – win prizes worth up to RM39k at Balakong, Cheras, Glenmarie and KL@TREC
The BYD EVolve Day will be happening this weekend, May 18-19, and you don’t want to miss this one because there are door gifts, refreshments, fun activities and a chance to win prizes worth up to RM39,000. Of course, you’ll also find great deals on BYD’s popular EVs at the event.
BYD EVolve Day will be happening at four of BYD’s showrooms at Balakong, Cheras, Glenmarie and Kuala Lumpur @ TREC, 10am to 6pm this weekend. It’ll be a fun day out for the whole family with complimentary refreshments while exploring BYD’s latest EV models, plus a special token of appreciation just for attending. Door gift aside, there will be fun activities lined up for visitors of all ages.
Take advantage of our exclusive promotions and unlock prizes worth up to RM39,000! Enjoy a range of rewards, including a complimentary home wallbox charger valued at RM3,699, charging credits up to RM2,000, a three-pin charger worth RM1,800, and a VTOL worth RM988. Plus, with cash vouchers up to RM1,000, our overtrade program offering up to RM4,000, and rebates up to RM20,000, there’s never been a better time to save!
So, whether you’ve been eyeing a new EV or considering the switch to electric cars, come on down to the BYD EVolve Day event this weekend at at BYD Balakong, Cheras, Glenmarie and Kuala Lumpur @ TREC to discover the future of mobility with BYD, the world’s best-selling NEV brand. Don’t miss out on this unique and exclusive opportunity!
For more info, simply head over to the official BYD Cars Malaysia website or follow @BYDCarsMalaysia on social media to keep track of the latest updates leading up to the event.
*Terms and conditions apply.
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KINETA Charge mobile app launched for EV drivers
KINETA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sime Darby involved in EV charging solutions, has launched the KINETA Charge mobile app, which it says ‘redefines EV charging convenience in Malaysia’
KINETA says that in anticipation of evolving user needs, it is dedicated to integrating more charging points from its partners, thereby increasing the network of charging locations nationwide for convenience and accessibility. The ‘Charge’ app shows the locations of KINETA’s AC and DC chargers across Malaysia.
KINETA Charge has flexible payment options, including popular e-wallets such as GrabPay and Touch n Go, as well as debit/credit card support in the near future. Waze and Google Maps navigation are integrated, taking EV drivers to selected chargers conveniently. One can start and stop charging via the app, and KINETA promises transparent billing, with clear insights into rates and charges.
For corporate customers, KINETA Charge has a Charging Management System (CMS) module that’s claimed to be the first in the market. With CMS, corporate customers can customise their charger images, set variable pricing by location and promotional periods to reward users and allow custom generation of various management reports.
Download the KINETA Charge app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
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No plans to make dashcams mandatory in cars – Loke
The transport ministry has no plans to make the fitment of dashcams mandatory in all vehicles in the country, transport minister Anthony Loke has said at a media engagement session today.
While the transport ministry had received suggestions on the matter, the ministry needs to consider various aspects, including costs that the general public will incur if the devices are made mandatory, Loke said.
“However, we encourage the installation of dashcams especially in vehicles from the manufacturers. If they [vehicle manufacturers] can install them in their new cars, we will strongly encourage it, but so far we have not made it mandatory,” the minister said.
The transport minister also encouraged bus operators to install dashcams in order to enable the use of recordings as evidence, in the event of road incidents. “[Footage from] dashcams can be used as proof of who is at fault and who should be responsible if there is an accident,” Loke continued.
At the event, the transport ministry revealed that there were 600,000 road accidents recorded last year, with 6,443 deaths recorded for the period. Of these casualties, 65% involved motorcyclists.
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Police investigating individuals seen in viral video cooking Maggi with portable stoves at petrol station
The police have begun investigating a group of individuals found having a cookout session at a Petron station near Genting Highlands. In a viral video, the group can be seen preparing Maggi instant noodles and other foods on portable gas stoves within the compound of the petrol station.
As reported by Bernama, Bentong OCPD Supt Zaiham Mohd Kahar said the police received a report on the incident. “The result of the investigation found that the video clip had gone viral on X, and was uploaded on May 13, and is believed to have been done by a group of vehicle owners, causing concern and annoyance to the public,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 268 of the Penal Code for public nuisance as well as Section 336 of the Penal Code for endangering life or the personal safety of others. Zaiham is requesting the cooperation of any parties who witnessed the incident to come forward to assist with the investigation.
He added that the police will take decisive action and carry out integrated operations around the petrol station, especially on weekends and public holidays. “The move taken after police received information and complaints that the location is often the focus of vehicle owners gathering and doing activities which disturb public order, and other motorists who pass through the location,” he said.
Macam mana diorang ni boleh terfikir nak pasang stove dekat stesen minyak? 😰 pic.twitter.com/BvBr5h8It9
— 🇲🇾 (@localrkyt) May 12, 2024
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‘Spin & Win’ promo when you buy a Carro Certified car this weekend – over RM40k worth of prizes to be won
In conjunction with the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned Carnival event this weekend, Carro Retail Experience Centres will also be having a Spin & Win promo for anyone who buys a Carro Certified car.
Spin & Win prizes worth RM40k:
- 100x Carro Care 35% off Spray Paint Voucher
- 100x Carro Insurance 10% off voucher
- 80x Petronas Petrol Card worth RM200
- 20x Free Service package worth RM800
- 2x Roborock S8 Robot Vacuum worth RM2,700
Carro will also have Maybank and CIMB on ground for an exclusive 1 day loan approval.
Don’t forget to drop by this weekend to shop both Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned and Carro Certified cars at the same venue, with great deals available for both! Convenient, isn’t it?
Navigate: KL @ Carro Puchong South [Waze | Google Maps]
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JPJ eBid: JXC and SWL number plates up for bidding
JPJ has announced that JXC and SWL are the next number plate series to go up for bidding on its online auction platform, JPJ eBid.
Johor’s latest running number series is ‘JXC’, and it will be open for tender tomorrow, May 17. The bidding period on JPJeBid is five days, ending 10pm on May 21. As usual, the results will be out the following day. The whole process is online now, as it has been for some time, and bidders will get the good (or bad) news via email.
Also available on JPJ eBid is the Sabah series ‘SWL’. The bidding period will start on May 24 and will close at 10pm on May 28. Results will be out the day after the auction closes.
New car coming soon and want a nice number plate for the new ride? Why not DIY and skip the reseller’s markup and runner fees? If you have never bid for a number yourself, check out our step-by-step guide on how to navigate JPJ eBid and the techniques needed to get your preferred number at “retail price”.
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Google’s Android Automotive OS update brings Angry Birds, Max, Peacock apps – casting support added
At this year’s Google I/O, the company announced a series of updates coming to Android for Cars, which covers both Android Automotive OS, the platform for built-in infotainment systems, as well as Android Auto, the phone mirroring app.
Before getting into the details, Google revealed that there are currently over 200 million cars on the road that are compatible with Android Auto. Meanwhile, nearly 40 car models offer Google built-in – you’ll find this on Volvo cars sold in Malaysia.
The majority of the updates announced are focused on Google built-in infotainment system, with selected cars set to get new streaming apps such as Max (HBO) and Peacock. The Angry Birds game will also be introduced, expanding the entertainment options that users have access to.
Another development is the imminent introduction of Google Cast to cars with Android Automotive OS, starting with Rivian with more to follow. This feature is already found in other products like smart TVs and Chromecast, allowing users to easily cast video content from a phone or tablet directly to the car while parked.
As for Android Auto, Google says an Uber Driver app is now available so drivers can accept rides and deliveries, as well as receive turn-by-turn directions on a bigger screen. Earlier this year, the company said it would bring AI-powered features to Android Auto as well.
For developers, there are new tools to make it easier to create new apps and experience for Android Auto, including the ‘Car ready mobile apps’ programme that serves to accelerate bringing mobile apps to cars with no additional work.
Apps and experiences will also be divided into new quality tiers based on their level of integration and adaptability. The first tier is known as ‘car differentiated’ that represents the best of what’s possible in cars, with apps in this tier being specifically built to work across a variety of hardware in cars and can adapt their experience across driving and parked modes.
The second tier is ‘car optimised’ and covers most apps available in cars today. These apps will have some car-specific engineering to include capabilities that can be used across driving or parked modes, depending on the app’s category. Lastly, there’s ‘car ready’, which are apps that may not have car-specific features, but are compatible with large screens in cars.
Google also provided a handy table for developers to identify what app categories are currently open and accepting app submissions across both Android Auto and cars with Google built-in.
