Volkswagen, over the air updates for the ID family

“The full availability of Over-the-Air (OTA) updates underlines Volkswagen’s innovative capacity and forms the basis for a completely new and digital experience for our customers”, said Volkswagen CEO Ralf Brandstätter. “At the same time, we are laying the foundations for new digital business models; a fundamental step in our Accelerate strategy “. In the future, the brand will provide its customers with a new version of the software every twelve weeks, to keep the cars up to date and constantly improve the user experience. Volkswagen also intends to generate new sources of revenue during use thanks to new data-driven business models, such as services and functions that the customer can order as needed at any time. For example, the activation of the Travel Assist driving assistance system, or a longer battery life for long journeys or, in the future, autonomous driving. Volkswagen believes there is the potential for hundreds of millions of Euros in revenue additional over the next few years.

OTA updates are developed in close cooperation with CARIAD, the Volkswagen Group’s software company. Some new features of the update currently being released involve the ID. Light, the light strip at the base of the windshield. It now provides the driver with information that intuitively assists him for even more efficient driving and use of ACC adaptive cruise control. In addition, the image processing by the front multifunction camera has been improved to allow for faster recognition of motorcyclists and other road users. Where present, dynamic headlight adjustment now allows more precise control of the front headlamps. The graphics of the central infotainment have been made simpler and clearer, with a more intuitive operation; a demonstration of how Volkswagen reacts promptly to the information provided by the first customers of the ID range. The Customer’s digital experience is becoming the central point for all stages of product and service development throughout the entire life cycle of the car. Within the Accelerate strategy, Over-the-Air updates represent the basis for new business models and product optimization that places the Customer at the center.