Most Volkswagen models in the U.S. produced between the 2020 and 2023 model years will soon receive the carmaker’s Car-Net Safe & Secure connected vehicle emergency services free of charge.
Eligible vehicles will receive five years of free Car-Net Safe & Secure coverage as soon as the owner creates a myVW account and accepts the terms of service. The coverage will remain active for 5 years after June 1, 2023.
Volkswagen’s Car-Net Safe & Secure system allows owners to access Emergency Assistance through the SOS button located in the vehicle. If a cellular connection can be established, the driver is put into contact with the Car-Net service center which can direct emergency responders to the vehicle’s location.
Read: VW’s Car-Net Refused To Help Police Track Abducted Child Until Activation Fee Was Paid
The system also includes an Automatic Crash Notification function that can automatically notify an operator about an incident, allowing them to immediately contact first responders. VW’s combustion-engine models with the system also include an Anti-Theft Alert that sends a push notification to the owner if the car’s anti-theft alarm is triggered, and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance to help law enforcement locate the vehicle if it is stolen. An Information Assistance feature is also used, allowing the owner to speak to a Car-Net agent for various support needs. The VW ID.4 only receives the Automatic Crash Notifications and Emergency Assistance functions.
The car manufacturer was prompted to introduce the function across its range after a Volkswagen Atlas was stolen in the Chicago area while a child was still inside. Law enforcement’s efforts to track the vehicle were delayed because of a request for a subscription payment to the Car-Net service before location information could be given.
“The family was thankfully reunited, but the crime and the process failure are heartbreaking for me,” senior vice president of Customer Experience & Brand Marketing for Volkswagen of America, Rachael Zaluzec said. “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.”
The service also includes Car-Net Remote Access which allows owners to interact with their vehicle through the myVW app. A Car-Net Wi-Fi Hotspot is also offered and allows owners to choose a data plan from either Verizon or T-Mobile.
