The Grom/VLine system requires its own data plan that can be used to make internet phone calls. Carplay/Auto are just apps that use the data and phone-calling abilities of the smartphone running it.

 

No, but you can install units that do.

 

Yeah. Pardon the hyperbole... it’s all love in the end. LOL. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t drum up the nerve to sell my LS.

 

Exactly, companies who try to compete with the BEST brands out there, and you see a flagship car like this that is 5-10 years behind in phone/cell tech. I guess people will have to wait till 2035 to get G5G...LOL

I would expect companies to hold back a year or 2 after new cell tech, that is acceptable, to make sure the pentation of the tech is available everywhere. Just using tech this old (3g in even 2015 would be unacceptable), in my eyes is being cheap as they don't want to re-design hardware UNLESS they have to. You know R and D research costs money, even through I bet Toyota/Lexus does not even make this component.

Instead they outdate their current products long before they should be.

 

Most of the used telematics transceivers I see on eBay for 2018-up Lexus brand vehicles are labeled "DENSO MADE IN JAPAN" which would be expected. The telematics receiver for a particular 2018-up Toyota model that is assembled in the U.S. has a Continental AG logo including the prancing horse symbol and says "MADE IN MEXICO". I guess Continental manufactures more than just tires.

 

I'm still hoping they'll offer a replacement for a reasonable price. If it's just the transceiver box itself, it would seem like a no-brainer. I guess the question is whether the antenna is the same or if that would have to replaced as well.

 

How would that help them sell new cars? It’s the perfect selling point for their new lineup. Their new lineup is so bad that they need every selling point they can get!

 

No chance of a replacement. I would just enjoy the next couple years of the service