Digital future for Volkswagen

Volkswagen has been developing a digital app, Volkswagen We, which allows owners to execute a variety of tasks from their mobile devices. Although internationally the app even allows you to remotely open your boot for delivering companies to deliver parcels straight to your vehicle, locally Volkswagen South Africa has decided to launch with the We Connect Go service first. After starting its life as AppConnect the new digital service has been rebranded as We Connect Go and essentially records vehicle information which can be accessed from the app. Information recorded includes fuel level, distances travelled and even your battery voltage.

Vehicle owners also gain the ability to download a digital copy of all the trips they have conducted which can then be utilized for company fuel claims or tax purposes. In addition, the app also monitors driving behaviour and scores the driver based on how efficient their driving style is and even provides feedback as to how to improve your score/efficiency.

In addition, vehicle owners can schedule service appointments at their preferred dealer directly from the app. While this technology will come with all new vehicles from the second quarter of 2020, owners of Volkswagen products from 2008 or newer (excluding previous generation Polo Vivo) can purchase the data plug unit from Volkswagen Accessories and After Sales departments. The unit simply plugs into your system and then connect to your phone via Bluetooth.

Continuing with the digital theme, Volkswagen South Africa took the opportunity to share with the media some exciting news about their plans for electric vehicles in South Africa. Currently in South Africa is the e-Golf which is a fully electric Golf 7.5, six of these vehicles made it to our shores and is currently under testing on local soil. While this model will not be sold locally, Volkswagen is planning on introducing the ID4 electric crossover at a later stage.

For now, South Africans can keep an eye out for the reveal of the new GTC car later in March. Also on the books is the arrival of the Volkswagen T-Roc, the 1.5-litre TSI powered and 1.0-litre 70 kW T-Cross derivatives as well as a new proudly South African Polo Vivo. For those looking for a little more performance, the Golf VII GTI TCR is also destined to make its appearance later this year while towards the end of 2020 we can expect the Golf VIII to launch locally.