Normally you can use Android Auto on an Android AutoMorph head unit, however that's not required. GM regularly disables Android Auto on all their head units even though it's included in the base Android automotive OS.

I have such a car and I am so disappointed that I regularly tell people I would not buy another one and I would not recommend you buy a GM because they do that trip.

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.