 |
| Car-Net in 2014 Turbo Beetle |
This year, Volkswagen introduces a new feature offered in select 2014 models and trim levels called Car-Net. Car-Net is an in-car assistance system that offers roadside assistance, remote vehicle access, vehicle diagnostics, and family friendly features.
This past summer I had to attend a few concerts for the Volkswagen Concert Series in Camden, NJ. For those unfamiliar with this area, at the beginning of this year, it was reported by CQ Press that the city of Camden, NJ had the highest crime rates in 2011 and 2012, so I was a little nervous. Fortunately Car-net had my back, no matter the place or time of day. As I left the concert at about 12am, I felt extremely fortunate that I was driving a fully loaded 2014 Beetle Turbo Convertible. If the need arose I could have a live operator provide route assistance directly to the nav system, dispatch emergency service or even track down my car if it had been stolen! The car's last location can be tracked with a Car-Net Customer Specialist to help law enforcement locate your Volkswagen.
 |
| Volkswagen's RNS 315 Navigation System |
Car-Net’s Automatic Crash Notification will have a Car-Net Customer Specialist contact your vehicle immediately after an airbag is deployed after collision. The Specialist will assist you in dispatching emergency vehicles if necessary, and if there’s no response when contacted, Car-Net will automatically send help right away. A Manual Emergency Call button and Roadside Assistance is also standard for Car-Net. This is a supplement to Volkswagen’s standard Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), which will automatically unlock all your doors, turn on your hazard lights, and disable the fuel pump. It gives me comfort when I drive my Jetta or any other VW that if I were to become immobile after a collision, someone could easily pull me out of the vehicle through an unlocked door.
Did you ever borrow your parent’s car to go somewhere you weren’t supposed to or take a secret “mini” road trip? I know I did (sorry mom and dad), and I’d bet your kids have thought about it too. The Family Guardian feature provides boundary and speed limitations, so when your vehicle leaves a preset boundary or exceeds a determined limit, you will receive an alert through Car-Net. So when Suzi says she’s going to a friend’s house to study, but is really driving to a concert in Baltimore, you’ll know. And if she’s speeding there too.
 |
| Photo Credit: Volkswagen of America |
For those who have a million things running through their head on a daily basis, or if you’re like me and extremely absent minded, having Remote Vehicle Access is a blessing. If you can’t remember which entrance you parked at Tyson’s Mall, using either the Car-Net Mobile App on your smartphone or Car-Net’s Web Portal, you can map your vehicle’s last known location. You can also remote Honk and Flash your vehicle to help you pin point your VW. Other remote features include unlocking doors, checking status of lights, hood, trunk, sunroof, and even the convertible top for the Beetle Convertible and Eos. A detailed Vehicle Health Report can also be sent to you via Car-Net featuring mileage, fuel levels, service and maintenance concerns monthly, or upon request.
Car-Net’s subscription plans run from $199/year, $378 for 2 years, and $540 for 3 years. Month to month rate is $17.99/month. Unlike other manufacturers that offer only certain features at a premium cost, all features offered by Car-Net is included in your subscription price. Currently Car-Net is available on specific 2014 trim levels on the Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, and the Beetle Coupe and Convertible. Car-Net is available for all 2014 models for the CC and Eos.
For more information about Car-Net, feel free to reach out to any of our certified sales consultants or tweet us @stohlmanauto. Until next time!
Esther Cho
Volkswagen Product Specialist
@esther3ch5
