The Detroit News - "Smartphone wars, begin."
Buick wants to get in sync with Ford and on Tuesday launched Intellilink, a multifaceted hands-free connectivity system, on the eve of the New York International Auto Show.
The all-new customizable infotainment system will debut as an option on the 2012 Verano, Regal and LaCrosse sedans. It will be in every Buick the following model year. There is no word on whether General Motors Co.'s other brands will use a similar system.
But don't be surprised if they do.
Intellilink offers many of the capabilities of Ford Motor Co.'s Sync and MyFord Touch systems, still the most comprehensive available from any manufacturer. But GM, along with other carmakers, is closing that infotainment gap.
More than 1 billion smartphones are expected to be sold by 2013, according to Dallas-based marketing research firm Parks Associates Inc., which specializes in consumer technology products, so it's considered essential that every carmaker provide consumers with phone connectivity in their vehicles.
"Today's tech-savvy consumers expect more from their cars' infotainment systems," said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick marketing.
"They want a system that allows them to customize their in-vehicle experience with smartphones and other portable media devices."
Buick already offers an app that allows drivers to unlock doors, start their vehicle remotely and receive vehicle status updates via their phones.
Intellilink offers Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone operation, voice operation of the phone and music player and button operation from the steering wheel for some of the same functions and for smartphone apps like Pandora and Stitcher, popular Internet radio stations.
Drivers can use a 7- or 8-inch color touch screen instead of voice commands. The system also works without a smartphone, allowing drivers to connect their phones via Bluetooth, as well as operate other music players via an auxiliary connection or a USB thumb drive.
Automotive website Edmunds.com isn't surprised by GM's efforts to gain ground on Ford.
Ford has held a big lead over others carmakers, but some of them have started to catch up. Kia Motors Corp. signed a deal with Microsoft Corp., the partner that helped create Ford's Sync technology. This spring, Toyota Motor Corp. will offer a new telematics system, Entune, which incorporates smartphones.
"Everyone has seen the success out of Sync, and smartphone integration is going to be the next step," said Doug Newcomb, Edmunds.com senior technology editor.
Call it the price of admission to telematics.
"About 70 percent of all new car buyers want some form of connectivity," said Micky Bly, who leads GM's infotainment engineering efforts. "Whether it's because they want to listen to their favorite music or explore local restaurants on a Friday night, today's car buyer expects so much more out of their time in a car."
Unlike Ford's Sync, however, Intellilink does not offer navigation features. For that, Buick owners can get OnStar, which can put drivers directly in touch with a person to find a location quickly and easily. OnStar, which has been around since 1996, comes with a monthly subscription price.
Not everyone sees Intellilink as a big bonus to owning a Buick.
Dave Sullivan, analyst with AutoPacific Inc. in Ann Arbor, said GM seems to have concluded that people would rather pay a monthly fee to OnStar to get turn-by-turn navigation help, instead of shell out $2,000 for an entertainment system that includes navigation.
"It's a knee-jerk reaction to MyFord Touch," Sullivan said, adding GM has fallen behind Toyota, Hyundai and even Chrysler on its telematics system.
"It is a Band-Aid for now," he said, noting GM will offer a more advanced system in the future.
But Buick needs this kind of technology, and it helps move the premium brand near the front for telematics.
That's always better than not moving up.
