Last week tech companies were having a big time at CES 2015 showing off new technology, some of which involves automobiles. This week the North American International Auto Show is underway in Detroit, where automobile manufacturers show off their new vehicles, parts and services, some of which involves technology. The cross over between our cars and our mobile devices should be no surprise given the popularity of both in this country. At the NAIAS, Verizon has announced their latest foray into the world of the automobile industry, Verizon Vehicle.
Verizon Vehicle is a subscription service that works similar to something like OnStar in giving drivers access to roadside assistance and related services. Verizon is pursuing this new venture as there is a market of about 200 million vehicles on the road that are not connected and could benefit from a service that is not tied to a specific vehicle. According to Erik Goldman, president of Verizon Telematics,
“Verizon Vehicle is a unique and truly holistic aftermarket solution available to over 200 million vehicles on the road today. It affords millions of drivers the power of knowing when things aren’t working well, potentially before a breakdown occurs — fostering a safer, smarter and more economical way to drive and maintain a vehicle.”
The new service utilizes an onboard OBD reader that consumers install themselves by plugging it into the diagnostic port under the dash of their vehicle. Verizon Vehicle will also come with a Bluetooth-enabled speaker that can be clipped to a visor and a smartphone app. The OBD reader can not only read diagnostic data from the vehicle, the system taps into GPS systems so Verizon and their network of A.S.E. certified mechanics can pinpoint a driver’s location if necessary.
Customers will have access to the following services and features through Verizon Vehicle:
- GPS-directed pinpoint Roadside Assistance for breakdowns, flat tires, overheating, a dead battery — anything that might require towing or immediate repair. Dispatches are made to the exact location of a disabled vehicle.
- Automatic Urgent Incident Alert System places a call to the Verizon Vehicle Member Care Center in the event of a suspected accident. Help is immediately dispatched to the location if an accident is confirmed or there is no response from the driver. The time saved can potentially save lives by delivering critical emergency assistance when a person may not be able to call for help.
- One-Button SOS Assistance immediately connects the driver to a live agent for emergency aid.
- Auto Health System with Predictive Diagnostics translates most “Check Engine” light occurrences into real terms, including the description and severity of the matter, the probable solutions for the problem – and the appropriate cost for the repairs. The system is also designed to provide early warnings relating to some vehicle functions, even before a warning light comes on, to help keep you off the side of the road.
- Mechanic’s Hotline is staffed with A.S.E. Certified Mechanics providing members access to immediate and unbiased information related to their vehicles, and a professional analysis of trouble they may be experiencing.
- Parking & Meter Tools help drivers find where they left their vehicle — using the Verizon Vehicle smartphone app — while also keeping track of how much time is left on the meter.
- Maintenance Alerts inform vehicle owners when scheduled maintenance is required. No more guesswork as to when to rotate those tires or change the oil.
- Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance guides drivers when reporting a theft and helps authorities recover the stolen vehicle.
- Travel & Repair Savings – Verizon Vehicle members will be entitled to substantial discounts on hotels, vehicle rentals, auto maintenance, repairs and related travel expenses.
Verizon is currently taking pre-orders for the service now. Verizon Vehicle will run $14.99 per month for the first vehicle and $12.99 per month for each additional vehicle. Verizon does require a two-year contract. Verizon anticipates shipping of the devices and the official launch to occur on or about April 10th.
For more information or to read the full press release, hit the source links below.
source: Verizon PR, Verizon Vehicle site
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