Why Android Auto is available only in certain countries?

[AC Question]

Really annoyed, when after having purchased a new car and phone, which are compatible with the advertised Android Auto, will get a message, that it is not available in your country. Can someone explain, why is that so? Cannot be the language issue, since it not available in any language

 

[LeoRex]

Seeing as it is an automotive application, there are probably countless regulatory steps that something like AA would need to go through before it is allowed to be used in a car. Automotive tech is very slow to adopt new technology.... you don't want an app to force close and drive you into a ditch.

 

[Andre Carlo Pretorius]

This is really silly. I bought a new car recently which is compatible with the necessary settings on the radio for it including that other phone (dare I say it) iphone which has it's own version Car Play... here in South Africa Android Auto is not yet available, but Car Play has been around for a while... I really don't understand why this is the case. I love my android phone, but if push comes to shove, then I might have to bite the bullet and become a traitor to my android universe.... Android really has to pull up their socks on this one