On Tuesday, Volkswagen announced an Apple Watch app that links to its Car-Net system that offers remote control of many automobile functions with a tap on the Watch display.
The app is an extension to the existing Car-Net iPhone app that works with properly equipped vehicles manufactured since 2014. Owners of those vehicles will have the ability to control windows and the sunroof remotely and honk the car horn and flash lights to find a car “hiding” in a parking lot. In addition, those who have set up limits on speed or geographical location for other drivers of the vehicle will receive Watch notification that a driver has exceeded those limits.
Some additional features are available only with specific vehicles. For example, only owners of 2016 VW cars with Car-Net will have the ability to lock and unlock doors from the app. Drivers of gasoline and TDI Clean Diesel engine vehicles will be able to check the current fuel level in their automobile with a glance at the Watch app. Owners of the all-electric VW e-Golf will get to check the amount of charge their vehicle currently has, get an estimated driving range, can turn charging on and off, and even adjust climate control remotely. That last feature will be a winner for those who don’t like to get into a hot vehicle in mid-summer.
Volkswagen hasn’t said exactly when the Watch app will be added to the existing Car-Net iPhone app. Car-Net compatible vehicles include specific trims of 2014 Beetle, CC, Eos, Jetta, Passat and Tiguan models, as well as all models of the Golf, Golf GTI, Golf R, Golf SportWagen and e-Golf from model year 2015 on.
When will it be available