We have a Fiat Tipo (Combi) with "App Connect" as a rental car. If I now connect my mobile phone to the car via USB, Android Auto does not recognize my car and vice versa. But my cell phone is charging. It worked for my mother. I have a Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 with Android 8.
PS: Whenever I want to charge my cell phone (connect it to the power supply) I get the message: "Your device is charging slowly. Check if the USB charger is properly connected." Maybe this has something to do with it?