Chevrolet to be first U.S. automaker to integrate Apple's Siri assistant into its Spark and Sonic cars

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Chevrolet will launch Siri, the virtual assistant technology featured in Apple's iPhone, in its cars with the 2013 Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Sonic models. The feature, dubbed Siri Eyes Free, will allow drivers to make hands-free calls, access their iTunes music library, listen to and compose messages, and check game scores or local weather.

Chevrolet will become the first US carmaker to integrate Apple's Siri virtual assistant technology into its cars with the launch of its 2013 Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Sonic models.

Siri is a voice-activated feature on Apple iPhones and iPads that can perform internet searches, answer questions and even receive email and text message dictation. The special in-car version, called Siri Eyes Free, that Chevrolet is to deploy, was unveiled in June at the World Wide Developers Conference and is designed to give drivers access to smartphone features, via a dedicated dashboard-mounted button, without having to take their eyes off the road.

Chevrolet made the announcement Tuesday at the Los Angles International Auto Show where its marketing director for small cars, Cristi Landy, explained the feature would be compatible with the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 and would work via the cars' existing Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system. By pushing the steering-wheel-mounted voice activation button, users can make hands-free calls, access their iTunes music library, listen to and compose messages, and even keep up to date with big game scores or the local weather.

"It says a lot about our commitment to small-car customers that Chevrolet has announced that Siri Eyes Free capability will be available in the Spark and Sonic well before the luxury brands," said Cristi Landy, "Safe, easy, reliable and portable connectivity is a top priority for our customers, and Siri complements MyLink's existing capabilities to help deliver an incredible driving experience."

In bringing Siri to its small cars first, Chevrolet is taking the same path as Mercedes-Benz, which became the first car company to integrate the technology into its models when it launched its new A-Class in September.

Providing increasing levels of in-car entertainment and connectivity while reducing distractions is becoming a major challenge for carmakers around the world. As the use of smartphones continues to grow, so do the risks they pose to safe driving. New federal guidelines, published in February by US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, seek to limit in-car distractions caused by communications, entertainment, information gathering and navigation devices; and, in particular, any device that requires use of the hands and/or diversion of the eyes from the primary task of driving.

"Distracted driving is a dangerous and deadly habit on America's roadways - that's why I've made it a priority to encourage people to stay focused behind the wheel. These guidelines are a major step forward in identifying real solutions to tackle the issue of distracted driving for drivers of all ages," said LaHood.

Courtesy of NY Daily News