Volkswagen to Launch 2nd-Gen Car-Net Connected-Car Services for MY2020
VW is updating its connected car architecture to provide additional features, setting the stage for services such as car sharing.
The second generation of Volkswagen’s Car-Net connected car services for North America is set to launch for MY 2020. Built on a new Internet of Things (IoT) platform, the new system features quicker response times, and the architecture should improve the ability to add additional services such as car sharing. The system will arrive as standard on most trims with service notably included for five years.
The upgrades are part of the jump from Car-Net’s 1st-gen 3G backbone (which launched in 2014) to the new 4G setup, but VW made no mention of 5G capability. The associated smartphone app will provide expected features such remote start and lock/unlock, with in-vehicle package delivery from retailers such as Amazon as part of upcoming services. Nav-equipped vehicles can have destinations sent via the app, and VW has integrated Parkopedia features to ease parking stress. Siri and Alexa voice-control will be part of the system’s functionality, along with in-vehicle Wi-Fi access for up to four devices.
Frank Weith, director of connected services for Volkswagen’s team based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, noted that the whole drive behind the new system and upgrades was “to build a product that’s more engaging and easier to use.” According to Weith, the new IoT architecture will permit an extensibility that will help bring approved third-party applications into the environment. Weith noted that services such as car-sharing have been engineered into the new architecture, and we should expect more Car-Net news on that front.
Also Arriving with Car-Net 2.0 is an available DriveView program. The system monitors metrics such as excess speed, hard braking and night driving, which are used to generate an overall driving score that can be viewed in the app. Owners can also choose to opt-in to a program that shares this data with insurance companies in order to qualify for discounted rates. An additional $99/year Safe & Secure paid subscription service includes benefits such as info/emergency assist, automatic crash notification and stolen-vehicle assistance.
Top Stories
INSIDERManufacturing & Prototyping
Boeing to End 767 Production, Reduce Workforce Amid Ongoing Union Strike
INSIDERMechanical & Fluid Systems
Army Receives New Robot Combat Vehicle Prototypes
INSIDERDesign
Are Boeing 737 Rudder Control Systems at Risk of Malfunctioning?
INSIDERMechanical & Fluid Systems
Army Evaluates 3D Printing for Bradley Fighting Vehicle's Transmission Mount
INSIDERAerospace
Army Seeks to Expand 3D Printing to the Tactical Edge
ArticlesRegulations/Standards
Cummins New X15 Engine Meets Upcoming Regs While Boosting Efficiency
Webcasts
Defense
Maximize Asset Availability in the Aerospace and Defense Industry
Aerospace
The Inside Story on Space Grade Silicones
Transportation
The Rise of Software-Defined Commercial Vehicles
Test & Measurement
Avoiding Risk Analysis Pitfalls: Implementing Linked DFMEA, HARA,...
Automotive
A Quick Guide to Multi-Axis Simulation and Component Testing
Aerospace
Best Practices for Developing Safe and Secure Modular Software