In an interesting move to keep its cars on the roads longer, Honda (HMC) – Get a free report offers owners of slightly aging Accord sedans convenient in-car technology straight from the new models off the showroom floor.
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In a Jan. 30 announcement, the Tokyo-based automaker announced plans to offer a dealer-installed software update that will allow 2018-2022 model year Honda Accords not equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to have the feature. .
With this feature, owners can enjoy the convenience of no longer having to connect their smartphones to their car to enable Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Honda estimates that about 631,000 Accords are eligible for the upgrade, which will cost owners $112 plus labor at their local Honda dealership.
“This rapid software update allows customers to take advantage of the hardware already in their Honda vehicle to enjoy seamless connectivity through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,” said American Business Development and Sustainability Division Vice President Honda, Jay Joseph. “Improving the ownership experience and market value of Honda vehicles already in use is a key strategy in achieving our goal of having zero environmental impact by 2050.”
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Honda says the upgrade will also be installed on qualified Accords at no additional charge on vehicles sold through the Honda Certified Pre-Owned program.
Honda's move to help owners keep the latest technology in their cars is a polar opposite from rival General Motors. (G.M.) – Get a free report controversial movement. In December 2023, the automaker announced that, for safety reasons, it would abandon Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in favor of its own connected infotainment system called Ultifi, which features a suite of fully integrated Google apps.
Honda has not announced any plans to expand this program to other models in its range.
TheStreet has reached out to American Honda Motor Co. for further comment.
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