Volkswagen Makes Connectivity a Standard Feature

Manufacturer debuts its next-generation Car-Net system

Volkswagen is making connectivity a standard feature in almost every car in the line-up for its 2020 model year.

A couple of weeks ago, the car-maker announced several changes to the second iteration of its Car-Net services, making the new version of the connected-car system more feature-rich than the previous. Volkswagen will also make all core services free for the first five years of vehicle ownership. This service is transferable if the car changes hands within this time period.

The updates include a new infotainment system that keeps passengers connected on the go, wireless device charging, and additional safety features that help drivers monitor what’s in front of and behind their car.

The next generation of the Car-Net app and services allows owners to perform a variety of functions remotely. They can start and stop the engine, lock and unlock the doors, honk, flash the lights, find where their car is parked, and get a comprehensive vehicle health report by tapping their smartphone a few times. They can also sign up to get push notifications, for example, to receive an alert when the car doors are unlocked. The app is compatible with Android and Apple devices.

Interestingly, Volkswagen added a function called DriveView to its Car-Net infotainment system. Users who enroll in the DriveView programme consent to having their driving behaviour tracked by the onboard software. The function records night driving, hard braking, idle times, and how often the vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit. It also analyses the driving pattern to establish an overall driving score, which motorists can use to get a discount on insurance.

Later in 2019, Volkswagen will also launch a Car-Net app for smartwatches. Available for Apple Watch and Wear OS devices, this integration will offer many of the same benefits of the smartphone app, without the need to pull out a smartphone.

Another big draw of the update to Car-Net is that it adds a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot. Volkswagen will allow owners to pick their cellular provider and connect that to their vehicle. This is in contrast to other manufacturers, which require customers to choose a provider with which they have an agreement. Volkswagen will start offering access to connectivity through Verizon in 2019, and will expand to include T-Mobile US in 2020. Other mobile carriers are expected to follow suit.

For many consumers, the Internet of things will start in their cars. Connectivity is now a natural capability for car-makers to support, and it allows them to interact with their customers, selling them additional services. Vehicles also pose a big opportunity for wireless operators looking to connect more things.

The automotive sector has long been the next frontier for growth in connectivity and services, and now the wheels are finally in motion.