Volkswagen to Add Traffic Jam Assist and New Car-Net App for 2020 Models

Volkswagen has revealed that it will be adding Traffic Jam Assist and a new version of VW Car-Net in its 2020 models, starting with the Atlas Cross Sport, a sportier variant of the Atlas.

The 2020 Atlas Cross and other Volkswagen models which will be launched next year will come with Traffic Jam Assist, a new technology that can be used at speeds ranging from 0-37 mph. It can significantly decrease the hassle of the daily commute by using both lane keeping and lane centering and following the curves in the road. Thus, it takes the strain out of stop and start traffic when roads are crowded on our way to and from work, when roads are generally quite busy. It also helps maintain a safe distance for automatic braking with input from cameras and radar. It has the capacity to read road signs and displays them, though having a navigation package is a prerequisite for this.

When using the system, if you are stopped for over three seconds, the motorist will either have step on the accelerator or hit the resume button on the cruise control stalk. If the time is less than 3 seconds, the vehicle will automatically start accelerating again.
Car-Net users will be able to connect the VW’s Wi-Fi to their phone plan for data.
Volkswagen says the new version of Car-Net will be offered as standard for many 2020 Volkswagen models. It will be free for five years and like apps from other car brands will allow owners to have remote access and thus lock the doors of the car, start the engine, find the last location and even honk the horn using their smartphone.

Drivers can plan for a trip to a particular destination well in advance by sending navigation points to their car, use the Parkopedia part of the app to plan their parking and view vehicle health reports too.

Other features of the app include the Family Guardian service that can be used to record the max speed, locations and times of use for parents who want to keep tabs on the novice and young drivers in their family. The parent would get a notification if such members of the family exceed the speed limit, or travel further than they are supposed or use the car at a time when they are supposed not to drive. Owners get alerts if the vehicle is supposed to be taken for valet parking and it is taken over 0.2 mile away.

DriveView is a new feature of the gen 2 of Car-Net. In the event that you choose to use this option it can keep tabs on your driving habits to help you drive more efficiently. It can also be paired with an insurance company to help you get lower premiums if you are a good driver. The Safe and Secure feature can help you get emergency assistance, automatic crash notification, anti-theft alert and stolen vehicle location assistance.

The best feature is the hot spot that allows up to four people to connect in 4G LTE speeds with payment to the existing phone carrier for payment. Volkswagen is currently working with several phone companies on the billing for this.