Apple Carplay vs Android: the smartphone hits the road

By Damion Smy Motor Industry 11 June 2014 07:18 The days of frustrating in-car interfaces and clunky touchscreens are ending, as computing giants Apple and Google start unleashing the full power of smartphone technology in your car.  Apple has fired the opening salvo in the war on wheels with its ‘CarPlay’ system launched at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show and offered by Ferrari, Mercedes and Volvo, and at least 15 other car brands. If you own an iPhone, you’ll find CarPlay natural and intuitive – it’s this type of familiarity that car companies and Apple are banking on to win you over. Cars have been able to play your iTunes library and read texts for a while, but CarPlay takes this functionality to a whole new level.

Zero tolerance to drink-driving urged

DRIVERS are being urged to pledge not to drink any alcohol before driving this summer as the police launches a new drink-driving campaign. The call comes from road safety charity Brake, which reports that the 2013 summer drink-driving campaign by the police breathalysed 100,892 drivers and 5170 failed the test. This summer’s football World Cup is a cause for concern for the police as drivers may be tempted to have an alcoholic drink while watching a football match before getting into their car.

North America crucial to Fiat's new 5-year plan

Alfa Romeo will play a key role in the U.S. market, Jeep will lead the charge in Russia, Chrysler cars will bolster the Lancia lineup in Europe and Dodge crossovers and SUVs will wear the Fiat badge in Europe. Those are key elements of Fiat S.p.A.