Audi, Mazda, Jeep, Chrysler and Alfa Romeo rally behind Apple's CarPlay connected platform

The connected car platform wars are heating up. Audi, Mazda, Jeep, Chrysler, Fiat and Alfa Romeo have joined the growing list of Apple CarPlay partners whose upcoming models will offer the ability for users to plug in their iPhones and control various functions and apps right from their car's touchscreen or via Siri.

Many of these manufacturers and sub-brands are also part of Google's Open Automotive Alliance which means the type of smartphone you own may be a big determining factor on the next car you buy. CarPlay has 31 partners so far and companies like Pioneer and Alpine are creating CarPlay head units for those of us with older cars but who want the latest tech. Check out our video demo of Apple's CarPlay on the sexy $300,000 Ferrari FF.

Source: Apple

2010 Canadian Auto Show shrinks, previews upcoming models

The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Gullwing was one of the highlights of the 2010 Canadian Auto Show

We've been covering the Canadian Auto Show in Toronto for years and were sad and a bit disappointed at what we got to see this year, or rather, what we didn't. Past shows were so huge that it could take you a whole day to cover the exhibit spaces in the North and South Toronto Convention Centre and the cavernous Skydome (Rogers Centre).

Well, the Rogers Centre was dropped this year and fewer car companies were represented - a pity, really. A sign of difficult times, I guess.

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