The Volkswagen Group has taken a bold step in transforming its infotainment system by bringing a new in-vehicle application store.
CARIAD, a Volkswagen subsidiary, announced an in-vehicle app store at the 2023 Mobile World Congress. In a press statement, the automotive software company says it intends to “take the in-car experience to the next level – by integrating the digital world of the Volkswagen Group’s customers seamlessly into the car.
Aside from Volkswagen cars, Audi and Porsche models will gain access to the store, too. Audi will first incorporate this into select models including the Q8 e-tron and e-tron GT. The functionality for Audi vehicles will be available this summer.
What This Means For The Volkswagen Brand
While CARIAD pledges to update the catalog with new apps, the store already contains the likes of Spotify and Tidal for the music category, The Weather Channel for climate-related content, FRVR, and Vector Unit for the gaming section, TikTok, Plugshare, and Home Assistant for drivers’ social media, EV charging, and smart home needs respectively. Drivers also get productivity apps like Webex and online news outlets like DW and ZDF Heute.
Volkswagen, like most legacy automakers, is turning its focus to building EVs. However, its longstanding software issues haven’t done well for its image with consumers. Brands with better software like Tesla have capitalized on this, reeling in more customers. Ironically, a study released last year predicted Volkswagen would surpass Tesla as the world’s biggest EV maker.
While the German auto conglomerate has sold many EVs, its software woes have remained. CARIAD’s newest invention may remedy the situation as the store not only promises access to drivers’ favorite apps but also transforms their in-vehicle experience. As the EV scene becomes more competitive, launching an online store packed with diverse apps should win Volkswagen valuable points.