Hyundai Sonata is first car to get Android Auto

Android Auto, Google's operating system for cars, will be available for the first time in a real car with the introduction of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata -- though not currently in the UK.

The technology runs on a smartphone connected to a dashboard touchscreen, and uses voice commands and steering-wheel controls to let users listen to music, reply to messages, make calls and get directions while driving.

Existing owners of the 2015 Sonata with navigation features can visit their local dealer for a software update to enable Android Auto. People will be able to make the update themselves later this summer by downloading the software onto a USB stick. The system has only launched in North America, however, with no details yet available for the UK. A Hyundai spokesperson said the company was working to make Android Auto available globally, adding there was "no timeline" for an international launch.

Unlike existing on-dash navigation and media systems, Android Auto runs entirely from a smartphone, making it easier to update As well as working with car-modified versions of Google Maps navigation, voice search, messaging, calls and music, the system also works with some third party-apps.

Android Auto requires a phone running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher, which is then plugged into the car's USB port. The system is then controlled by voice, touchscreen or steering-wheel controls and replaces a car's built-in navigation and media system.

Hyundai said more of its cars would be getting Android Auto later this year. The system was first previewed exactly a year ago at Google I/O 2014, with the app launching in March. Hyundai is the first automaker to integrate Android Auto, which was previously only available on aftermarket radios.

Over the coming months Android Auto will be available on cars from 28 manufacturers, with Google working with Audi, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Renault, Volkswagen  and others to integrate the technology.

The system will compete with AppleCarPlay, a similar technology that uses an iPhone to make calls, send messages and get directions from iOS on a dashboard display. Apple is working with a similarly long list of car manufacturers, with CarPlay also available on aftermarket radios.