The car industry A/B tested selling a car with and without CarPlay
summary
General Motors' decision to remove Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its EVs in favor of a proprietary Android Automotive OS has negatively impacted sales. This is evident when comparing the Chevrolet Blazer EV with the Honda Prologue, which is essentially the same vehicle but retains phone integration. Consumers are clearly voting with their wallets by choosing the version that offers a more flexible and familiar user experience.
key points
- The Honda Prologue and Chevrolet Blazer EV are nearly identical in performance and design, creating an accidental A/B test for infotainment systems.
- Sales data shows the Honda Prologue significantly outselling the Blazer EV, with the gap widening over time from a 43% lead to a 166% lead in 2026.
- Drivers prioritize the safety and convenience of their preferred phone ecosystems over the manufacturer's claims of privacy or proprietary OS benefits.
who should read it
Automotive enthusiasts and tech-savvy car buyers who care about how their smartphones integrate with their vehicles.
discussion skeptical
consensus
Commenters generally agree that brand reputation, particularly regarding long-term reliability and build quality, heavily influences purchasing decisions more than specific current features. Many argue that historical failures of American brands have created a lasting negative perception that makes consumers gravitate toward Japanese manufacturers. There is also a significant discussion on 'brand mining,' where companies leverage old reputations to sell lower-quality modern products until the market catches on.
top insight
The concept of 'brand mining' or 'goodwill liquidation' suggests that manufacturers can profit from a legacy of quality long after the actual product standards have declined. This allows companies to pocket a price premium based on historical trust, effectively depleting the brand's value over time. This phenomenon is seen not only in cars but across various Western consumer electronics brands that have transitioned to Chinese consortiums.
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