Volkswagen of America, Inc. is enhancing its commitment to driver safety by offering its Car-Net® Safe & Secure connected vehicle emergency services at no additional cost for five years on most model year 2020 to 2023 Vw Car models. This initiative, effective June 1, 2023, ensures that a wide range of vw car owners can benefit from crucial safety and security features. For gasoline-powered vw car models equipped with Car-Net hardware, the complimentary service suite encompasses Automatic Crash Notifications, Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, and Anti-Theft Alerts. Owners of the all-electric vw car ID.4 will also receive Automatic Crash Notifications and Emergency Assistance as part of this offer.
This significant step by Volkswagen comes in the wake of a distressing carjacking incident in Chicago involving a stolen Volkswagen Atlas with a child inside. The subsequent delay in vehicle tracking due to procedural issues highlighted the critical need for immediate and readily available emergency services. “The family was thankfully reunited, but the crime and the process failure are heartbreaking for me,” stated Rachael Zaluzec, SVP, Customer Experience & Brand Marketing for Volkswagen of America, Inc. “As a mom and an aunt, I can imagine how painful this incident must have been. Words can’t adequately express how truly sorry I am for what the family endured.”
Volkswagen Responds to Customer Safety Concerns
The Chicago carjacking incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of robust vehicle safety and security systems. Volkswagen has taken decisive action to address these concerns and reinforce its dedication to customer well-being. Rachael Zaluzec emphasized Volkswagen’s commitment, stating, “Volkswagen must and will do better for everyone that trusts our brand and for the law enforcement officials tasked with protecting us. In addition to a full investigation of what went wrong and actions taken to address the failure, we want to make it right for the future. Today, we are setting a new standard for customer peace of mind. As of June 1st, we will make these connected vehicle emergency services free for five years as one significant step we can take as a commitment to our owners and their families.” This initiative underscores Volkswagen’s proactive approach to enhancing the safety and security features available in every vw car.
Free Car-Net Safe & Secure Services for VW Cars
For model year 2020 – 2023 vw car models equipped with Volkswagen Car-Net, accessing these enhanced safety features is straightforward. Coverage begins as soon as the owner creates a myVW account and agrees to the myVW and Car-Net Terms of Service. This complimentary coverage will remain active for five years from the vehicle’s sale date or from June 1, 2023, whichever date is later, ensuring long-term peace of mind for vw car owners.
The Car-Net Safe & Secure package for gasoline vw car models includes a comprehensive suite of services designed to protect drivers and their vehicles:
- Automatic Crash Notifications: In the event of a collision, this feature can automatically alert an operator who can quickly contact first responders, provided a cellular connection is established. This rapid response system is crucial in emergency situations, potentially saving valuable time when it matters most.
- Emergency Assistance: By simply pressing the SOS button in their vw car, drivers can connect to the Car-Net service center. Agents are available to direct emergency responders to the vehicle’s location and notify the user’s designated Emergency Contact, ensuring help is dispatched efficiently.
- Stolen Vehicle Locator: If a gas-powered vw car is stolen, Car-Net technology can assist law enforcement in locating the vehicle. This feature significantly increases the chances of vehicle recovery, providing crucial support during a stressful situation.
- Anti-Theft Alert: Owners of gasoline vw car models will receive a push notification if their vehicle’s anti-theft alarm is triggered. This immediate alert allows owners to take prompt action if unauthorized activity is detected, enhancing vehicle security.
For owners of the electric vw car ID.4, the complimentary Car-Net Safe & Secure package includes:
- Automatic Crash Notifications
- Emergency Assistance
These core safety features ensure that even Volkswagen’s electric vehicle line-up benefits from enhanced emergency support.
Car-Net Safe & Secure Features Explained
The Car-Net Safe & Secure system in your vw car is designed to provide critical assistance when you need it most. Let’s delve deeper into how each feature works:
Automatic Crash Notification
Automatic Crash Notification is a pivotal safety feature within the Car-Net Safe & Secure system. Utilizing sensors within your vw car, it can detect the severity of a collision. Upon detecting a significant impact, the system automatically attempts to connect to the Car-Net emergency response center. If a connection is established, and the system determines that an accident has likely occurred, it will transmit crucial information, including the vehicle’s location, to emergency services. This automated process ensures that help is dispatched rapidly, even if the driver is unable to call for assistance themselves. For vw car drivers, this feature provides an invaluable layer of security, knowing that in a serious accident, help will be on its way.
Emergency Assistance
The Emergency Assistance feature is readily accessible via the SOS button located within your vw car. In any emergency situation, whether it’s a medical issue, vehicle trouble, or any other urgent need, pressing this button connects you immediately to the Car-Net service center. Trained agents are available around the clock to assess your situation, contact emergency responders, and guide them to your precise location using your vw car‘s GPS. They can also notify your emergency contacts, ensuring that your loved ones are informed. This direct line to assistance provides vw car occupants with immediate support and reassurance in critical moments.
Stolen Vehicle Locator (Gas VW Cars)
For owners of gasoline-powered vw car models, the Stolen Vehicle Locator feature offers a significant advantage in the unfortunate event of vehicle theft. If your vw car is stolen, you can contact law enforcement, who can then work with Volkswagen Car-Net to utilize the vehicle’s embedded technology to track its location. Car-Net can provide real-time location updates to law enforcement, significantly aiding in the swift recovery of the stolen vw car. This feature not only helps in recovering the vehicle but can also potentially assist in apprehending those responsible.
Anti-Theft Alert (Gas VW Cars)
The Anti-Theft Alert system in gasoline vw car models adds another layer of security. If your vw car‘s anti-theft alarm is triggered, the Car-Net system will send an immediate push notification to your smartphone via the myVW mobile app. This timely alert allows you to be aware of potential theft attempts or unauthorized access to your vehicle, no matter where you are. You can then take appropriate action, such as contacting law enforcement or checking on your vw car, providing enhanced protection against theft and vandalism.
Information Assistance
The Information Assistance feature, accessible through the ‘i-call’ button in the vw car, allows drivers to connect with a Car-Net agent for various support needs. While not available on model year 2021 ID.4 vehicles, this service can assist with points of interest, account services, and general information.
Other Car-Net Services for VW Owners
Beyond the newly free Safe & Secure services, Volkswagen Car-Net offers additional features to enhance the vw car ownership experience:
Remote Access
Car-Net Remote Access services, also offered at no additional charge for five years from the date of vehicle purchase on 2020 and newer models, provide convenient control over your vw car from your smartphone. Through the myVW mobile app, owners can remotely start and stop their engine (if equipped), lock and unlock doors, honk the horn and flash the lights, and check their vw car‘s last parked location. The Remote Access suite also includes Family Guardian services like Speed Alert, Boundary Alert, and Valet Alert, as well as Roadside Call Assist, adding extra convenience and security.
Wi-Fi Hotspot
For passengers needing to stay connected on the go, Car-Net Wi-Fi Hotspot offers a data plan subscription, turning your vw car into a mobile hotspot. Up to four devices can connect simultaneously at 4G LTE speeds. Customers can choose data plans from VerizonTM or T-Mobile® (available on gas-powered vehicles).
About Volkswagen
Volkswagen of America, Inc. is a key operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Volkswagen’s extensive US operations include R&D, parts processing, distribution, sales, marketing, and service. Volkswagen operates a state-of-the-art assembly facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and provides financial services through VW Credit, Inc. Volkswagen is one of the world’s leading automakers, selling models like the Arteon, Atlas, ID.4, Jetta, Taos, and Tiguan through over 600 independent U.S. dealers. For more information about vw car models and Volkswagen’s commitment to innovation and safety, visit www.vw.com.
This enhanced offering of complimentary Car-Net Safe & Secure services for five years demonstrates Volkswagen’s unwavering commitment to the safety and peace of mind of its vw car owners. By proactively addressing customer needs and leveraging connected vehicle technology, Volkswagen is setting a new standard for automotive safety and customer care.
