Why GM ditched CarPlay, with software boss Baris Cetinok
Nov 4, 2024
01:14:35
auto_awesome Snipd AI
Baris Cetinok, Senior Vice President of Software and Services at General Motors, dives into GM's bold decision to ditch Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for its own Ultifi platform. He explores the challenges of transitioning to a software-driven approach and the importance of enhancing in-car user experience. Cetinok discusses the necessity for collaboration in automotive innovation and the shifting landscape of electric vehicle technology. This insightful conversation sheds light on how GM aims to redefine its software future amidst industry competition.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
GM's decision to drop Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aims to provide a more integrated vehicle experience through their proprietary Ultify platform.
The structured organizational framework at GM fosters innovation by clearly defining roles and encouraging collaboration in software development processes.
GM's commitment to over-the-air updates is crucial for maintaining competitive software performance across electric vehicle platforms as technology evolves.
Deep dives
General Motors' Software and Services Strategy
General Motors is reformulating its software strategy with a focus on its proprietary platform called Ultify, which aims to enhance user experience within their vehicles. By dropping Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, GM asserts that it can provide a more integrated and streamlined experience tailored to its vehicles' specifications. This move allows GM to maintain greater control over the software ecosystem, enabling faster innovation and updates that align with their evolving service roadmap. Barish Chetnock, GM's SVP of Software and Services, defends this approach by emphasizing the need for a cohesive user experience that can effectively integrate functionalities like navigation, vehicle monitoring, and driver aids.
The Role of Team Structure in Product Development
Chetnock outlines the organizational structure at GM, which emphasizes a functional orientation that mirrors successful tech companies. The roles of product managers, program managers, engineers, and designers are clearly defined to foster collaboration and accountability in the product development process. By ensuring that experts lead their respective domains, GM aims to drive a culture of innovation and rapid execution, especially as they navigate the complexities of both hardware and software integration. This structured approach is crucial for maintaining product timelines and ensuring the delivery of high-quality vehicles.
Navigating Software Updates and Vehicle Architecture
A significant challenge for GM is managing software updates across multiple vehicle platforms while ensuring long-term relevance and performance. Chetnock explains that their vehicles are equipped with advanced technology that allows for over-the-air updates, akin to smartphone capabilities, which is vital for maintaining the software's competitiveness. This is particularly crucial as vehicles transition to electric architectures, which require updates that integrate seamlessly with various systems. By focusing on a scalable software architecture, GM is working to reduce reliance on numerous suppliers and streamline the software delivery process.
The Future of User Experience in Vehicles
The integration of user experience is pivotal as GM seeks to redefine how drivers interact with their vehicles. Chetnock advocates for a cohesive ecosystem where software and hardware work in harmony to provide an enhanced driving experience, particularly through features like Super Cruise. This user-centric design allows for features that leverage real-time data, optimizing functionality based on road conditions and vehicle performance. As the automotive industry evolves, GM aims to create an experience where technology enhances driving rather than complicates it.
The Strategic Decision to Move Away from CarPlay
GM’s decision to eliminate smartphone projection systems like CarPlay stems from a strategic vision to create a uniquely integrated vehicle experience. Chetnock argues that relying on these external platforms would hinder GM's ability to innovate and provide a seamless user experience that is fully optimized for their vehicles. He acknowledges the popularity of CarPlay among consumers, particularly for its ease of use, but believes the benefits of a proprietary system far outweigh the convenience of third-party integration. Ultimately, GM is committed to delivering value through tailored experiences that leverage their own software capabilities.
Today, I’m talking with Baris Cetinok, who is in charge of all the software in the cars that GM makes, which is a lot of cars. And if you’ve been following any of the drama in the world of car software, you know it also means Baris is the guy who has to defend GM’s decision to drop Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from most of its cars, especially EVs.
I’ve had versions of this conversation with the CEOs of car companies before, but Baris is in charge of actually building this stuff. So we really got into the weeds here on what this looks like, the major trade-offs, and why he thinks it’s ultimately the right path for GM.
Links:
GM names new leaders of software organization | The Detroit News
GM is cutting off access to Apple CarPlay & Android Auto for its future EVs | The Verge
Will GM Regret Kicking Apple CarPlay off the Dashboard? | Bloomberg
Rivian CEO: CarPlay isn’t going to happen | Decoder
Volvo CEO thinks dropping CarPlay is a mistake | Decoder
GM Ultifi software platform will roll out in 2023 | The Verge
Android Auto vs. Android Automotive vs. Google Automotive Services | Android Police
GM plans another big Super Cruise hands-free expansion | The Verge
GM will start making money on EVs this year | The Verge
How GM plans to beat Google, Apple at car software | Motor Trend