Volkswagen confirms plans to launch Android Auto support later this year

Volkswagen, at CES 2015, has finally announced what it plans to do with both CarPlay and Android Auto. The German auto manufacturer has confirmed that it will begin shipping cars with Android Auto capabilities later this year in its 2016 models.

Android Auto will run on Volkswagen’s MIB II dash electronics in the United States and Europe. Volkswagen will also make its MirrorLink software available later this year. Android Auto and CarPlay support will be launched under the company’s App-Connect label.

Volkswagan support for Android Auto was announced back at Google I/O 2014, but with no set launch date or specific compatibility information. The ability to use both Android Auto and CarPlay will certainly be beneficial for users and was probably a major contingency for VW when developing its plans for the two platforms.

Later this year, VW will introduce the second generation “modular infotainment platform” (MIB II) in the United States. Along with the new infotainment system, MirrorLink™ will also be made available for the first time, integrating the apps and operating layout of numerous smartphones (including Samsung, HTC, LG and Sony) into cars. When MirrorLink™ is introduced, two other interfaces will also be launched under the App-Connect label: CarPlay™ (Apple®) and Android Auto™ (Google®). Simultaneously, VW will also launch CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ in the European market.

While Volkswagen has not announced a specific date for the rollout of CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, the company promises that it will ship the software sometime this year in both the United States and Europe.