HTC and Volkswagen join forces on the internet of vehicles

New Customer-Link Bridge and smartphone app provide key performance data and local service information for enhanced driver safety, convenience and peace of mind

Taipei, Taiwan – December 25, 2015 – HTC, a global leader in innovation and design, today unveiled Customer-Link, a brand new automotive solution combining the Customer-Link Bridge vehicle performance measurement system designed by HTC and the Customer-Link smartphone app that provides local information and instant vehicle data to improve security and efficiency while driving. Leveraging the cloud for location based services (LBS) and information pooling, the Volkswagen Customer-Link brings the internet of vehicles.

Bernd Hoffmann, Managing Director of Volkswagen Taiwan said, “Volkswagen is named the people’s car and aims to be the most loved and innovative automotive brand in the market. It is our priority to provide the best-in-class experience for Taiwanese consumers; together with HTC, Customer-Link will enable owners to be easily connected to their cars and enjoy Volkswagen customer services.”

Jack Tong, North Asia President, HTC said, “As a leading innovator, HTC takes the user experience very seriously, so we are continually exploring potential technologies to achieve the smart, connected life. Our extensive experience of integrating cutting edge technologies into our award-winning HTC smartphones and HTC Vive has led to our providing car owners with the means to enter the whole new era of the internet of vehicles, allowing them to strengthen and integrate their car information using their smartphone to significantly enhance the driving experience.”

The Customer-Link system combines the Customer-Link Bridge designed by HTC and its exclusive app with the cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) services of Volkswagen. The Customer-Link Bridge will read car performance and driving information in real time, including distance travelled, engine RPM, engine oil and engine coolant temperature, distance to empty and more. It also raises the alarm if there are any operating problems while driving, and shows the nearest service centers with the instant service. Customer-Link supports both Android and iOS.

With MirrorLink, Customer-Link can mirror the app to the touch screen of the entertainment system in the car, which allows the car owner to control the app with the touch screen, providing a safer means of use while driving. Customer-Link also provides useful information, such as current freeway traffic, electronic toll collection (ETC), gas station location and real time parking info, making it the most convenient information hub.

Customer-Link is applicable on all models of Volkswagen vehicles sold in Taiwan. The Customer-Link Bridge will be pre-installed in all new cars sold from May 2016.