Volkswagen introduces Volkswagen Car-Net™ in-car assistance for the first time ever

Volkswagen USA happily announced the launch of their first ever in-car assistance system. Others of honorable mention include GM’s OnStar, BMW’s Assist, and Hyundai’s Blue Link.

Volkswagen patented theirs as Volkswagen Car-Net™ featuring location-based roadside assistance, remote vehicle control via smartphone apps, Destination Assist, and Automatic Crash Notification.

The service will be available on all 2014 model year cars on only several select trim levels of the Passat, Jetta, CC, Tiguan, Beetle and droptop, and the Eos

New owners receive a complimentary trial period of six months after purchase, enabling the use of all the features. Afterwards, a one-year subscription costs $199, $378 for two years, $540 for three, or a monthly rate of just $17.99/month.

For full details, check out the press release after the jump.

07.29.2013

VOLKSWAGEN LAUNCHES FIRST GENERATION OF IN-CAR ASSISTANCE SYSTEM ON SELECT 2014 MODELS 

• Volkswagen Car-Net™ offers features such as location-based roadside assistance, Automatic Crash Notification, remote vehicle unlock, and Destination Assist for compatible factory-installed navigation systems. 
• All features come standard with subscription
• Accompanying VW Car-Net Mobile App is downloadable through the iPhone® App Store

Herndon, VA –  Volkswagen of America, Inc., announces the launch of VW Car-Net™, a new in-car system that offers a number of convenience and diagnostics features, in addition to services that help customers feel safe and secure. Beginning in the 2014 model year, VW Car-Net will be introduced on select trims of Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, CC, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Eos models.

“Volkswagen Car-Net is a multifaceted connectivity system, seamlessly integrated into many of our cars,” said Frank Weith, General Manager, Connected Services. “Not only does it offer our consumers an added sense of security with features like Automatic Crash Notification, but it also offers various convenience features for day-to-day use, such as Remote Vehicle Status and service appointment scheduling.”

Unlike some other competitive in-car connected vehicle systems currently on the market, VW Car-Net is offered with all features as standard with each subscription, including Agent Destination Assist. When applicable, most of these features can be accessed three different ways: in-car, via the dedicated VW Car-Net buttons on the overhead console; by visiting the VW Car-Net Web Portal (www.vw.com/carnet); or, through the VW Car-Net Mobile App on a customer’s iPhone® (Android® version coming soon), which can be downloaded from the Apple® App Store. 

Pricing: 
Customers purchasing new Volkswagen models equipped with VW Car-Net will receive a no-charge trial for six months after purchase. To extend the benefits of this connectivity system, customers can choose from a number of VW Car-Net Payment Options: 1 year, for $199; 2 years for $378; 3 years for $540; or, month-to-month, for $17.99. 

Key features of VW Car-Net include:

Automatic Crash Notification
In the event that an accident is detected (airbag deployment1 or a rollover), a call is automatically triggered from the vehicle2, connecting a passenger to a VW Car-Net Customer Specialist. Information about the vehicle and location are transmitted to the VW Car-Net Response Center. Once the call is connected, the VW Car-Net Customer Specialist will connect the caller with a local Public Safety Answering Point, who can dispatch the appropriate emergency services to their location.

Roadside Assistance
By pressing the VW Car-Net “wrench” button on the overhead console, the vehicle’s VIN and location will be transmitted to Volkswagen Roadside Assistance. If the car’s battery is low or the occupants are no longer in the vehicle, Roadside Assistance can also be contacted via the VW Car-Net Mobile App.

Agent Destination Assist

For Volkswagen models equipped with VW Car-Net and a compatible factory-installed navigation system, a VW Car-Net Specialist can send destinations directly to the vehicle. This can also be done without the help of an operator from the VW Car-Net Web Portal, or through the Mobile App. 

Stolen Vehicle Assistance

If a Volkswagen vehicle equipped with VW Car-Net is stolen, the VW Car-Net Response Center can help locate the vehicle. Once a police report has been filed, a VW Car-Net Customer Specialist will work with law enforcement officials to locate the vehicle.

Last Parked Location
Determine the last parked location by using the VW Car-Net Mobile App. The car’s last-known parked position will be shown on a 2D map in the Mobile App. 

Remote Vehicle Status
Check the status of vehicle doors, lights, sunroof, hood, convertible top, and trunk via the VW Car-Net Mobile App or the VW Car-Net Web Portal. 

Service Appointment Scheduling
Schedule service appointments with a preferred dealer through a VW Car-Net Customer Specialist. 

For more information on VW Car-Net’s other features, visit www.vw.com/carnet. 

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA), is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, and Touareg vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online atwww.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

Notes:

1Airbags are supplemental restraints only and will not deploy under all crash circumstances. Always use safety belts and seat children only in the rear, using restraint systems appropriate for their size and age.

2Automatic Crash Notification may be enabled for up to six months without activating a trial or paid subscription; Manual Emergency Call feature and all other VW Car-Net features require trial or paid subscription.

This press release and images of VW Car-Net are available at media.vw.com. Follow us @VWNews.

“VW”, “Volkswagen”, all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. “Car-Net” is a trademark of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “iPod” is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. “Android” is a registered trademark of Google Inc. 

VW Car-Net services provided by Verizon Telematics, Inc. Available only on select models. Automatic Crash Notification may be enabled for up to 6 months without activating a trial or paid subscription; Manual Emergency Call feature and all other VW Car-Net features require trial or paid subscription. VW Car-Net services require vehicle cellular connectivity and availability of vehicle GPS signal. VW Car-Net includes services that may collect location information. See applicable Terms of Service and Privacy Policy available at www.vw.com/carnet for details. Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted. 

Standard text and data rates apply.

Taxes and applicable fees may apply.

– By: Chris Chin

 

Chris Chin

Chris Chin is the Editor-In-Chief of egmCarTech and is a regular contributor to Automobile Magazine.

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