Comment by jackdecker

They are intended for different market segments. The consumers use Android Auto to project their phones. The headunit manufacturers build devices to run Android Automotive with custom skins. It's like knowing whether a smartphone running Chrome is using Blink or Webkit. The user probably doesn't know or care, they'll use it the same way regardless.

It makes perfect sense in isolation. It’s a good name.

Unfortunately Android Auto already existed. So it’s confusing.