Concerns about increasing phone usage while driving: MG has a solution
In recent years, several studies have been conducted into the use of smartphones while driving and the danger involved. This shows that distraction poses one of the greatest crash risks in modern traffic. This mainly concerns distraction by electronic devices, such as smartphones.
At the same time, various studies show that the vast majority of drivers (more than 80%) recognize that using a smartphone while driving is dangerous. Nevertheless, the use of smartphones while driving has increased in recent years, in some countries even exceeding 70% of all road users.
Road safety organizations are obviously concerned about this. They are also concerned that phone usage while driving will become ‘normal’ for younger generations, since the smartphone has become an integral part of our lives.
It’s not without reason that multiple campaigns are running to combat phone usage while driving. Fines for non-hands-free phone use are also getting more expensive, while several countries are placing special roadside cameras specifically designed to detect phone usage. But did you know that you can safely use the most important functions of your smartphone while driving in an MG, without actually having your smartphone in your hand?
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
All MG models are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. This technology is designed to safely and legally use all kinds of apps on your smartphone while driving.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are basically the same. Apple CarPlay is designed for iPhone users, while Android Auto is for smartphones that run on Android software. When Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is activated after you connect your phone to the infotainment system, you can use and operate various apps from your phone via the touchscreen in de car. So you actually use your phone, but without holding it in your hand. The touchscreen in de car even looks like the home screen of your phone. To make it even safer: all functionalities can also be controlled via steering wheel control and voice control.
With the settings of your phone, you decide which apps you can use with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. You can make hands-free calls, navigate with Google Maps or Apple Maps, listen to music via Spotify and even have WhatsApp messages read aloud. All music just sounds through the speakers of your car. With a view to road safety, not all apps are suitable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto obviously, but in general they are the most important.
Apple CarPlay can be used with any iPhone 5 or newer. All Android smartphones with Android 10 or higher are Android Auto capable. On devices with Android 9 or older, the Android Auto app must first be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
Infotainment as standard
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are integrated into the infotainment system offered as standard on all MG models. In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, these systems also features integrated navigation, multiple USB ports, DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth connection and more.
The MG Marvel R Electric and the Luxury trim of the MG ZS EV are equipped with an enhanced version of the MG iSMART infotainment system, with additional features such as real-time traffic navigation, calendar synchronization, weather forecast, Amazon Prime streaming music and firmwire over-the-air (FOTA ) updates.
Want to know more about the MG models and the available colours and trim levels? Find out all you need to know and specify your favourite MG model yourself in our car configurator.
