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Honda Connect System Debuts in Paris

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The Honda Civic Tourer, one of three models that will be equipped with Honda Connect next year in Europe

The Honda Civic Tourer, one of three models that will be equipped with Honda Connect for 2015

At this week’s Paris Motor Show, Honda officially debuted its Honda Connect system, the industry’s first embedded Android-based in-car infotainment center. The all-new Honda Connect system is set to launch next year in Europe, and will be coming to the 2015 Honda Civic, Civic Tourer, and CR-V.

The new feature includes a 7-inch touchscreen, which can be used for navigation, radio, satellite, vehicle data, and viewing the rearview camera feed while backing up. Since it runs on the Android OS, it is customizable, like a smartphone, meaning drivers can personalize their Honda Connect systems and download Android apps from the Honda App Center. The touchscreen will also have the same pinch-and-zoom capabilities found on a smartphone.

2015 Honda CR-V

The new 2015 Honda CR-V, which will feature the new Honda Connect system when sold in Europe next year

In addition to Android, the Honda Connect system is also powered by Nvidia’s Tegra auto grade processor. Honda is now the 19th global automotive brand to use Nvidia processors, and the first Asian company to partner with the California-based tech company.

“Honda is bringing Nvidia’s advanced mobile technology to an important new segment of vehicles,” said Rob Csongor, the vice president and general manager for Nvidia’s automotive division. According to Csongor, the Tegra processor “leverages Android to deliver an open, flexible infotainment platform… that bridges the world of smartphone apps and the requirements of the automotive industry but, most importantly, does so in a way that makes driving safer.”

As of now, there are over 6 million cars on the road using Nvidia processors, and according to Forbes, the company anticipates another 25 million vehicles will be equipped with processors over the next five years.