GM dealers aren’t happy future EVs won’t support CarPlay: ‘There’s an infinite number of ways this could go bad’
Earlier this year, GM announced its boneheaded decision to ditch CarPlay in all of its future EVs, opting for a partnership with Google instead. The company has received an incredible amount of backlash since that announcement, and unsurprisingly, GM dealerships are also none too happy about the move.
A new report from the Detroit Free Press rounds up comments and concerns from GM dealers who are still grappling with GM’s surprise announcement. One source “in close contact with multiple GM dealers” explained that the “risk of failure is very high” for the automaker to abandon CarPlay.
Despite announcing the move publicly in March, GM dealers haven’t received any communication from the company about what exactly is happening:
“CarPlay’s not broken. Why fix it?” asked a source in close contact with multiple GM dealers and who requested anonymity for business concerns. “The risk of failure is very high.”
“I don’t even know the name of (GM’s) new system, much less what benefits our customers can expect,” the dealer source said. “Nobody has had any communication from GM. What am I supposed to tell my customers?”
“The new system can’t just work,” the dealer source said. “It has to be the best in the market. It’s got to be better than CarPlay.”
That same dealer source also questioned the timing of GM’s move, killing CarPlay as it simultaneously plans to ramp up its focus on EVs with its Ultium EV architecture this year.
“Why are we doing this with the launch of our most important new vehicles? Shouldn’t all the resources devoted to developing it have been spent on launching the actual vehicles?” the source said to the Detroit Free Press. “There’s an infinite number of ways this could go bad.”
Other GM dealers cited in the report expressed similar concerns, including worries that the move could cost dealers and salespeople money. GM, of course, is hoping that this move will boost its bottom line with an increased focus on subscription revenue. The company is targeting $20 billion to $25 billion in annual revenue from subscriptions by 2030.
GM dealers and salespeople are concerned the change will cost them money, too. Complaints about a vehicle or its features can reduce payments they get for customer satisfaction, potentially costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“We would hate for there to be a hiccup in the launch of these key new products,” one said. “We have a lot riding on this.”
9to5Mac’s Take
There’s only so much I can write about this move, but I’ll reiterate my thoughts once more in hopes Mary Barra comes across this story.
This is a change GM will regret. It’s a change that reeks of greed and shortsightedness. And it comes as automakers like Ford are doubling down on their decisions to support CarPlay.
In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Ford CEO Jim Farley said:
Seventy percent of our Ford customers in the U.S. are Apple customers. Why would I go to an Apple customer and say ‘good luck!’ That, like, doesn’t seem customer-centric. And Apple does a really good job. So our philosophy is different. Our philosophy is we’re going to make the best Android, CarPlay experience you can imagine.
We’re going to put on top of it a really good customization opportunity for the customer, so they can kind of get what they want out of the interior experience. And let’s go ship great productivity, partial autonomy, safety and security software. That’s where the data off the car makes a difference and we can be different.
Farley gets it and understands how important CarPlay is to buyers. GM and Mary Barra clearly don’t.
Tesla and Rivian are the two other major holdouts in adopting CarPlay, but at least they’ve spent years developing their respective infotainment systems.
I have zero faith in GM’s ability to create something that will even remotely match the reliability, familiarity, and feature set of CarPlay.
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Kia officially opened its first production hub dedicated to building electric vans. Once fully operational, Kia’s Hwaseong EVO Plant will be about the size of 42 soccer fields.
Kia opens new production hub for PBV electric vans
The dedicated production facility was first announced in 2022 as part of Kia’s new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business strategy.
Kia’s PBV plant is a cornerstone of its plans to become a leader in the light commercial electric van market by 2030.
On Friday, Kia took a big step by opening the first phase of its production hub. Kia announced on November 14 that it has now officially completed the Hwaseong EVO Plant East portion and broke ground on the EVO Plant West site.
A completion ceremony was held at Kia’s Autoland Hwaseong plant, attended by around 200 guests, including South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and Hyundai Motor Executive Chairman Euisun Chung.
The new EVO Plant East is a 98,433 square-meter site with an annual production capacity of 100,000 units. Kia will build the PV5, its first electric van, including the Passenger, Cargo, Chassis Cab, and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) models.
The EVO Plant West spans 136,671 square meters and will add 150,000 units of Kia’s upcoming larger PBV vans, including the PV7.
Kia also operates a dedicated PBV conversion center, where it builds custom models based on the PV5, including open-bed trucks, camper vans, and box vehicles.
Combined, the entire PBV Production hub will have an annual capacity of 250,000 units, spanning over 303,750 square meters, or about the size of 42 soccer fields.
Kia is already delivering the PV5 Passenger and Cargo variants in South Korea and Europe, with plans to continue rolling it out to new markets over the next few months.
Last month, the PV5 Cargo set a new Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload.
In Europe, the PV5 Passenger is available with two battery packs: 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh, delivering WLTP ranges of 183 miles and 256 miles, respectively. The Cargo variant has the same battery pack options, but is rated with WLTP ranges of 184 miles and 258 miles.
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Black Friday and Cyber Monday just got a whole lot more electrifying, thanks to isinwheel. The urban mobility brand known for its powerful electric bikes, electric scooters, and electric skateboards is kicking off its biggest sale of the year from November 14 through December 1. True to its motto – Move Smart, Move Fun – isinwheel blends intelligent tech with pure riding joy, and now you can snag your dream ride for a whole lot less.
During the BFCM event, in addition to generous markdowns, shoppers can stack savings like never before: get an extra 10% off when you buy two items, plus up to $100 in additional discounts on bigger orders ($30 off $500, $50 off $1,000, and $100 off $1,500). Members will earn 5X points that can be redeemed for accessories, and Electrek readers get something special: use promo code electrek50 for an exclusive $50 off any isinwheel product.
Time to ride smarter, faster, and more fun this holiday season – check out the deals below.
Table of contents
Save on the isinwheel S Nova Pro Commuting Electric Scooter this Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Meet the S Nova Pro Commuting Electric Scooter – built for city riders who want it all: power, comfort, and style. It’s made for commuters who crave more speed and range than your average scooter but don’t want the bulk of an off-road beast.
With 1,000W max power, a top speed of 28 mph, and up to 38 miles of range, the S Nova Pro keeps you flying through the streets with ease. Its 10-inch pneumatic tires smooth out bumps and cracks, giving you steady, comfortable rides from start to finish.
The S Nova Pro Commuting Electric Scooter is now $419.99 (marked down from $599.99), when you use promo code electrek50.
isinwheel H7Pro 1200W High-End Commuting Electric Scooter with Seat
The H7Pro 1200W High-End Commuting Electric Scooter with Seat is designed for riders seeking a premium blend of power, comfort, and versatility. Designed for daily and urban commuting, the H7Pro delivers a convenient, smooth, and safe ride whether you’re zipping through city streets or cruising along park paths.
Powered by a robust 1,200W motor and a 48V 18.2Ah battery, the H7Pro electric bike scooter can hit speeds of up to 38 mph and travel as far as 43 miles on a single charge. That blend of performance and range makes it an ideal pick for speedy runs and long-distance rides.
Its 16-by-4-inch all-terrain pneumatic tires handle almost anything you throw at them – from city pavement to gravel, sand, or even snow – giving you excellent traction and stability across all conditions.
For even more control, the isinwheel Club app lets riders fine-tune their experience. You can switch between speed modes, adjust ambient lighting, monitor battery life, lock your scooter, and access navigation, all from your phone.
Combined with the exclusive electrek50 promo code, isinwheel’s H7Pro 1200W High-end Commuting Electric Scooter with Seat is now $749.99 (marked down from $1099.99) for Black Friday.
isinwheel GT4 2400W Dual Motor Off-Road Electric Scooter
The GT4 2400W Dual Motor Off-Road Electric Scooter is designed for riders seeking serious off-road power and control. With dual 2400W motors and eight riding modes, it hits a top speed of 45 mph and can tackle steep 50% grades without breaking a sweat. Its 12-by-2.75-inch all-terrain tires and dual swingarm suspension deliver a smooth, stable ride whether you’re carving up dirt trails or gliding over rough pavement. The rugged, all-aluminum unibody frame supports up to 330 pounds, and the bright LED lighting system, combined with hydraulic disc brakes, keeps you safe and visible, no matter where or when you ride.
Range anxiety? Not here. The GT4’s upgraded 52V 18.2Ah lithium battery offers up to 50 miles of range on a single charge, making it ready for both long off-road runs and extended city commutes.
You can also take full control of your ride from your phone with the isinwheel Club app. Customize speed modes, monitor your battery health, track your rides in real-time, and even tweak your lighting effects.
For Black Friday and Cyber Monday The isinwheel GT4 2400W Dual Motor Off-Road Electric Scooter is now $949.99 (marked down from $1499.99), as long as you use promo code electrek50!
Black Friday deals on isinwheel’s U8 Electric Bike for Adults
The U8 Electric Bike for Adults packs serious power into a compact frame designed for city riders who don’t want to compromise on performance. Its 1000W max motor makes it a Class 3 e-bike that tops out at 28 mph, giving you the muscle to cruise through long commutes or conquer steep hills with ease. With up to 75 miles of range on a single charge, this cruiser bicycle is built to go the distance, whether you’re commuting, exploring, or just out for fun.
The U8 combines comfort and capability with its 20-by-3-inch fat tires, which grip the road or trail with confidence, and a smooth-shifting professional Shimano 7-speed drivetrain that makes every ride feel effortless. (It’s also available as a 26-inch bike.) The step-thru frame design makes getting on and off simple and convenient – perfect for urban riders on the go.
Its fully removable lithium battery can be charged on or off the bike, so you can top up anywhere and keep it secure when parked. The isinwheel U8 brings together power, comfort, and versatility for an all-around electric bike that’s ready for anything your day throws at it.
The U8 Electric Bike for Adults is now $559.99 (marked down from $799.99) when combining isinwheel’s Black Friday discount and promo code electrek50.
isinwheel V10 Off Road Electric Skateboard with Ambient Light & Remote Control
The V10 Off-Road Electric Skateboard with Ambient Light & Remote Control takes electric skateboarding to the next level. With dual 1500W belt motors (that’s 3000W total), this off-road longboard can hit speeds up to 32 mph and cover up to 28 miles on a single charge. Whether you’re chasing thrills or want a speedy commute, the V10 delivers both speed and stability thanks to its powerful setup and solid build.
Four ride modes let you fine-tune your speed and acceleration, from casual cruising to full-throttle adrenaline. The high-capacity lithium-ion battery keeps the adventure going, letting you carve across city streets or rugged trails without worrying about running out of juice.
The V10’s deck combines bamboo and 8-ply maple with a layer of fiberglass for the perfect balance of strength and flexibility. Its 6-inch honeycomb rubber off-road wheels are built to handle all kinds of terrain –from gravel and grass to dirt and pavement – while staying smooth and responsive.
An ergonomic handheld remote puts control right at your fingertips, displaying real-time metrics like speed, battery life, and mode. For nighttime rides, built-in LED lights boost visibility and style. You can even customize the ambient lighting with effects that range from pulsing strobes to flowing color fades, because every ride should look as good as it feels.
Remember to use promo code electrek50 for an exclusive $50 off any isinwheel product!
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Hyundai and Kia scored a win on Friday after the South Korean government pledged to boost EV subsidies by 20%.
Hyundai and Kia get a lift with government EV support
Hyundai Motor, including Kia and Genesis, is going all-in on the US market, pledging to ramp up local production and introduce a range of new electrified vehicles.
Like many others, the new 25% tariffs for exports to the US have already taken a toll on the South Korean auto giant. Hyundai said it took about 1.8 trillion won ($1.2 billion) in tariffs-related losses in the third quarter. Kia reported a 1.2 trillion won ($830 million) hit.
To help it overcome the extra costs, the South Korean government said it will increase EV subsidies by 20% next year.
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday (via Reuters) plans to raise EV subsidies by 20%, from 780 billion won ($540 million) this year to 936 billion won ($645 million) in 2026.
South Korea also committed over 15 trillion won ($10.3 billion) in financial support for domestic auto parts and car makers in 2026, including low-interest-rate loans and guarantees.
The government is ramping up investments in next-generation vehicles, aiming to produce fully autonomous cars domestically by 2028. South Korea is dedicating an extra 50 billion won, on top of the 150 trillion won in funding, to advance the new tech. It’s also looking to incentivize automakers to reach specific targets, such as five-minute fast charging, a 1,500 km (932 miles) driving range, and prices on par with gas vehicles by 2030.
Separately, the US and South Korea agreed to lower tariffs on imported goods, including vehicles from 25% to 15%. The lower rate puts South Korean automakers like Hyundai and Kia on par with Japanese brands. Japan reached a similar deal with the US in September.
Despite the tariffs, Hyundai and Kia both set new third-quarter sales records in the US. Combined, they sold over 480,000 vehicles, an increase of 12% compared to Q3 2024.
To offset the loss of the $7,500 federal tax credit, Hyundai and Kia are offering some of the most significant discounts on EVs in the US.
Earlier this month, Kia introduced a new $10,000 customer cash discount across its entire lineup. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 remains one of the most affordable EVs in the US, with leases starting as low as $189 per month.
Interested in a test drive? We can help you get started. Check out our links below to find Hyundai and Kia EVs near you.
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