Volkswagen introduces Car-Net in-car safety tech with a mobile app
Volkswagen has announced the launch of Car-Net, a new in-car system that offers a number of convenience and diagnostics features, in addition to a brace of safety services.
Car-Net will be made available on select 2014 models of the Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, CC, Beetle, Beetle Convertible and Eos models.
It is basically a car-assistance technology on the lines of BMW's Assist, GM's OnStar and Hyundai's Blue Link. But, VW says, unlike the other in-car vehicle systems, Car-Net gives its subscribers access to all its features, including the navigation function. OnStar charges extra for a navigation system.
Car-Net offers location-based roadside assistance, remote vehicle control via smartphone apps, destination assist, and automatic crash notification.
The automatic crash notification triggers a call from the vehicle to a Car-Net customer service when the airbags are deployed, who will, in turn, connect the car to a local emergency service. If needed, emergency vehicles would be sent for assistance.
Car-Net can be accessed in three ways:Â from within the car, through the VW Car-Net website, and through a mobile application.
Customers purchasing new Volkswagen models equipped with Car-Net will receive a no-charge trial for the first six months. To extend the benefits of this connectivity system, customers can choose from a number of subscription options: $18 for a month, $199 for a year, $378 for two years or $540 for three years.