2014 Chevrolet Malibu Reads Your Texts And Allows Hands-Free Response

Chevrolet has announced an interesting feature that is included on its 2014 Malibu. Like most automotive manufacturers, Chevrolet is making efforts to help reduce distracted driving by integrating features into the vehicle for hands-free calling and texting. Chevy has announced that the MyLink infotainment system for the 2014 Malibu features Text-to-Voice for smartphone users.

The vehicle also supports Siri for iPhone users. Both those features allow voice control connectivity between the driver and the smartphone without having to take hands off the wheel. The Text-to-Voice system can convert incoming messages to speech and read them over the audio system to the driver.

Drivers can then choose to respond to the text with preset messages such as "I'm driving and will contact you later." Drivers can also save their own personalized preset messages when the vehicle is stopped and in park. This feature will work with all smartphones, as long as the devices are compatible with Bluetooth profile and have supporting text messaging features.

The 2014 Malibu comes in three different trim models with pricing starting at $22,965. The vehicle is also the first in its segment to have standard start/stop technology to improve fuel efficiency. The 2014 Malibu also features variable intake valve actuation and improvements to the transmission to help increase fuel efficiency. The vehicle uses a 196 hp engine and a six speed automatic transmission.

SOURCE: GM