Carmakers are moving quickly to follow Hyundai’s lead in offer Google’s Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay systems.

Earlier this week the South Korean maker said Android Auto will be available on its 2015 Sonata models. GM announced it will offer the Google and Apple systems more than a dozen Chevrolet vehicles for the 2016 model year while Mitsubish has said the systems will be available on the 2016 Pajero.

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Chevrolet and Mitsubishi say they will be the first automotive brands to offer both Android Auto and CarPlay while Chevy will be first to roll out either across a broad range of models. The telematics systems give drivers the ability to control maps, text messaging, music and other smartphone features and applications.

The GM brand will offer the systems on 14 models, including the Cruze and Malibu sedans, Silverado light- and heavy-duty pickups and other vehicles that account for about half of Chevy’s global sales volume. GM said the services would be available wherever those models are sold, including the US, China and South America.

Alicia Boler-Davis, GM’s senior vice president of global connected customer experience, said: “We believe that it is a key factor for customers and a reason for purchase. It is a differentiation.”

GM chief Mary Barra said in a statement: “For most of us, our smartphones are essential.  Partnering with Apple and Google to offer CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility across the widest range of models in the industry is a great example of how Chevrolet continues to democratise technology that’s important to our customers.”

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Mitsubishi’s 2016 Pajero, which will be launched in Europe this summer will be the first model in the Japanese carmaker’s line-up to feature the Apple and Google systems. Android Auto is also expected to be announced soon on several other brands including Ford, Jeep, Audi, Honda and Subaru.

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