Originally Posted by BippuLexus

+1. This.

I rather them just let us have the options to buy or not buy it rather than include into the overall price or not offer them at all.

For me though: If Apple/Auto was offered as a option for a few hundred dollar, I'll never buy it. I think Apple/Auto car play is worthless. I would never understand why BMW owners would opt for the Apple/Auto play (pay a few hundred dollars) when their iDrive system is so polished and refined.

Originally Posted by ST430

Android Auto can be a standalone interface that just acts as a car monitor, and does not collect any OBD2 info (I'm not sure where people are proliferating this FUD). Now, if the automaker wants to integrate additional functionality into their Android Auto information to collect info, that is on them. If you have ever even used Android Auto (which many people seem not have), there is not even an ad that is displayed. The entire ecosystem is to proliferate Android, which is already open, and Google primarily makes money off of the Play Store and/or its licenses (imagine millions of vehicle wanting to integrate an app such as GMaps/Waze).

The issue is not about collecting info, it is about Toyco wanting to develop its own interface and have complete control of it without providing any help to its competitors (via the Alliance).