maps of world: Google Maps can now send destinations directly to more than 20 car brands worldwide

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Google Maps can now send destinations directly to more than 20 car brands worldwide

When we started the "Send-To-Car" service on Google Maps more than three years ago withBMW, only a few car makers offered connected services to their drivers. The industry has come a long way since then. Several car manufacturers have made industry-changing commitments to bringing connectivity to the majority, if not the entirety of their car line.

We see more and more cars with connected navigation and entertainment systems leaving the assembly line and the trend is here to stay. That's fantastic news for both drivers and the automotive industry.

The Google Maps Send-To-Car service has grown, and many car manufacturers have joined over time. Just recently, we announced Audi's connected car navigation system which includes Send-To-Car, and the Google Automotive team is thrilled to announce that we have extended the partner base of our Google Maps Send-To-Car service further to include Ford and GM.

As of today, drivers of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles in the US enabled with Ford SYNCcan now send business listings or addresses found on Google Maps directly to their cars.

(Photo credit: Ford)

In addition, millions of OnStar equipped GM vehicles can now make use of this innovative service. Great news if you own a Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac, Saab or Saturn! Check out this GM video to see the service in action:

Drivers can then use their car maker's turn-by-turn navigation system to be guided to their selected destination. With today’s additions, drivers can send destinations from Google Maps directly to their connected vehicles in 19 countries and more than 20 different brands.

In the US alone, Send-To-Car is now available on more than 15 car brands and we hope to see even more partners join us soon.

We think this is a great convenience for drivers - Prepare your route at your desk, send the destination to your car, and safely enjoy your ride - hands on the wheel, eyes on the road.

We also like to think that in the age of green driving, not having to print paper directions anymore is a great start of a green trip!

You can find more information on Send-to-Car on the Google Maps help center.

Drive safely!