Mercedes-Benz says Android support coming when Google brings in-car system to market

Back in January Google announced a new Open Automotive Alliance that would see the company work with automakers to bring Android-based entertainment systems to vehicles. We’ve seen hints of those partnerships start to trickle out and the latest comes from Mercedes. Following a job listing from Mercedes last week looking for a software engineer to work on a “Google Projected Mode” that would integrate content from Android devices into an in-car system, the company has once again mentioned using Android in a press release today.

While announcing that Apple’s just announced CarPlay feature for iOS would be demoed on a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class at the Geneva Motor Show, the company also said it would offer Android support as “as soon as Google brings its own in-car infotainment system to market.”

As soon as Google brings its own in-car infotainment system to market, Mercedes-Benz customers will also be able to enjoy the world of Android in their cars. Mercedes-Benz has already shown to impressive effect how an Android-based in-car infotainment system could look like in the SLS AMG in 2011: with “AMG Performance Media” it is possible to display lateral and longitudinal acceleration, along with engine output, torque and accelerator pedal position. Laps completed on a race track can be recorded and called up later for the purposes of personal driving analysis. Additional functions such as internet access and WiFi hotspot functionality are options that customers can add to the system.

Not only does Mercedes-Benz have plans for Android-based in-car systems, but it will also continue to offer its Drive Kit Plus, Digital DriveStyle App, COMAND Online, and Mercedes-Benz apps that let users access  a variety of smartphone apps from Facebook to Google Maps through the in-car display. Volvo noted earlier that it has a system allow its own content and Apple’s CarPlay content to coexist on the same display, but it’s unclear exactly how CarPlay will integrate with Android-based systems.