With the new 2016 models available this month, Volkswagen New Zealand has revealed it is bringing App Connect – new technology that syncs a driver’s smartphone to their vehicle, providing access to driver friendly apps.

App Connect integrates a smartphone with the car’s infotainment system, allowing drivers to manage select apps through the touchscreen or completely hands-free. Using Siri and Google Voice, drivers can have their text messages read aloud and they can reply to messages through voice to text.

App Connect is compatible with Mirror Link, Android auto and Apple Car Play. For customers with access to Mirror Link (largely Android users), the Volkswagen app gives drivers access to extra features, including:

  • Cam Connect – access through the front-seat touchscreen to stills from the back-seat camera
  • Sound Journey – turns every trip into a song, generated based on driving data and a musical genre
  • Think Blue. Trainer – training exercise and analytics of your driving style to help customers drive more efficiently
  • Shared Audio – passengers can contribute their favourite songs to a joint playlist via streaming and play them in the car.

Volkswagen is currently developing software that will provide easier access to these features, rather than solely through Mirror Link.

Drivers can also ask their smartphones for information such as map navigation and music, which can be displayed, including access to Spotify and Pandora.

Volkswagen NZ General Manager Tom Ruddenklau says App Connect is designed to minimise distraction for drivers, whilst providing seamless connectivity to their smartphones.

“In this digital world we are seeing high demand from customers wanting products and tools that are well connected, particularly with motor vehicles. Through App Connect, your Volkswagen becomes an accessory to a driver’s smart phone.”

“The use of smart technology not only reduces distractions while driving, but it also makes the journey that little bit more fun, with personalised technology giving the driver access to a selection of their apps.”

App Connect will come standard with the purchase of any new model Polo (excluding comfort line manual and DSG), Golf, Tiguan and Passat.

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It started at a young age with bedroom posters, the Countach of course. This slowly grew into a super car die-cast model collection, fifty five 1:18 models at the last count. At which point it had almost taken full control, the incurable Mad Car Disease ran deep though my veins all the way to the bone. And things for my loved ones just got worse as the cars where now being bought at 1:1 scale, after a BMW, HSV, and couple of Audi's, the disease reached my brain, pushing me over the edge and down the rabbits hole into the world of the bedroom poster.

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