General Motors is rolling out a major update to its infotainment interface, starting with trucks before expanding to the broader lineup. The new software features a simpler design with higher contrast, including white text on a black background, and a menu of quick-access toggles for frequently adjusted settings. This new aesthetic is intended to improve readability and ease of use, moving away from the previous interface design.
CarPlay and Android Auto Return
The most significant change is the return of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. GM previously considered removing these platforms from all vehicles, not just electric models. The company now says the phone projections are integrated with the native system, displaying content in a large card window alongside native apps like trailering and vehicle status. This integration is designed to offer a hybrid experience where smartphone features coexist with factory software.
Industry Shifts
Separately, Land Rover plans to have Stellantis build a U.S. version of the Defender pickup. The arrangement would help the brand avoid the 25 percent Chicken Tax on imported trucks. By utilizing Stellantis’ existing manufacturing capacity within the United States, the British manufacturer can produce the vehicle domestically, thereby circumventing the steep import tariff. This collaboration builds upon a memorandum of understanding announced in May regarding product development in the U.S. market.
In a different development, Toyota will pause production of the Highlander after the current gas model is phased out in December to prepare for an all-electric next-generation version that starts production in early 2027. This temporary gap in the market will leave a void for the popular midsize SUV, a phenomenon that has also affected other models like the Acura RDX and Jeep Cherokee, which faced lengthy production breaks between generations.
