Outlook

According to IHS Automotive analyst Egil Juliussen, an advantage of Ford’s AppLink / SDL system is that it can access some OBDII (on-board diagnostics) information; in the future this will mean apps relevant to vehicle information can be developed, and it provides automakers a counterweight to the strength of Apple and Google. However, Juliussen points out, to be beneficial for app developers to leverage, it will require many OEMs to adopt the system. Neither Apple nor Google systems are capable of accessing that type of information.

Another system that is based on a projection operation along the lines of the Apple and Google solutions is MirrorLink, which also cannot access OBDII information. According to Juliussen, MirrorLink has also been slow to offer applications, but deployment has picked up recently in Europe and Asia.

Relative to Toyota’s announcement, the company has not committed to when or where SDL will feature in its product line-up. IHS currently expects that Toyota’s implementation may find its way into regions outside the US more quickly, as Toyota has an established app ecosystem in Entune for the US.

IHS expects implementation of the variety of available app and smartphone vehicle integration solutions will vary regionally for other automakers, as well as Toyota. We expect US adoption of CarPlay and Android Auto to be dominant, with Ford’s SDL offering a strong opportunity for OBDII applications. Europe is expected to see adoption similar to the US, though MirrorLink is expected to see more significant adoption in that region.

Summary