AARE is an open-source alternative to Android Auto
“Despite its name, Android Auto is very different from Android on phones. You can't replace the home screen launcher, sideloaded apps aren't available, and Google services are even more tightly integrated. Thankfully, alternate options are starting to pop up, and I tried one. AARE is an open-source app that replicates the phone side of Android Auto. It uses the same projection protocol as the real Android Auto, which allows it to appear on the head unit display. The interface is familiar, but more flexible, and it supports a lot more apps than Android Auto does. Plus, unlike other methods I've played with, it doesn't require Google Play Services at all.”
This alternative actually does most things better than Android Auto. It seems the only downside may be that Google Maps and Waze will not launch from inside it. There is a semi-workaround that may be worth trying.
