Automakers are rejecting Apple’s souped up CarPlay Ultra and say they will stick with their bespoke infotainment systems.

Manufacturers had previously gone along with regular CarPlay especially with its maps, music, call and messaging capabilities. Many motorists saw Apple Maps in particular as superior to less intuitive and often clunky automaker navigation systems.

But Apple’s decision to integrate more of CarPlay into vehicle systems is proving a bridge too far with The Financial Times reporting that Audi, Volvo, Renault, Polestar and Mercedez-Benz say they will not install CarPlay Ultra and will stick with their own systems.

The problem is that CarPlay Ultra takes over functions that car makers regard as central to their product and branding such as the total dashboard and control of car systems such as air conditioning and heating.

“It provides information for all of the driver’s screens, including real-time content and gauges in the instrument cluster, while reflecting the automaker’s look and feel and offering drivers a customizable experience,” says Apple.

“Many other automakers around the world are working to bring CarPlay Ultra to drivers, including newly committed brands Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.”

Some car makers acknowledge that many motorists will see CarPlay Ultra as more advanced and easier and more intuitive to operate.

But they prefer to retain their own systems, including the future ability to monetise some infotainment system functions.