Old News really, but now it has been proved, the majority of people wont buy a car if their mobile will not Sync.

• Research shows customers can love everything about a car, but won’t buy if it doesn’t pair with their smartphone
• Nissan engineer Patrick Keenan is ‘the man with 40 phones’ who ensures seamless connectivity
• Quality electrical integration key to development of Autonomous Drive technology

Just how much our smartphones rule our lives has been revealed for the first time. Car buyers admit they can like everything about a new model – the styling, price, fuel economy and how it drives – yet will still walk out of the showroom because it won’t connect properly with their beloved mobile phone.

A study*, used by Nissan to understand the importance of developing state-of-the-art infotainment systems in crossovers such as the Qashqai, Juke and X-Trail, reveals:

• 28% of new car buyers prioritise car connectivity over other features, such as fuel efficiency
• 13% would not buy a car that’s not connected to the internet
• 20% would switch to another car brand for better connectivity
• That rises to 41% for drivers who spend more than 20 hours a week in their car

The research has led to significant investment by Nissan to make sure phones integrate seamlessly – vital as demand for data and downloads expands. Leading the European team is Patrick Keenan… known within Nissan as ‘the man with 40 phones’.

Patrick explained: “Today’s new cars have a lifecycle of five or six years before a new version is launched, but a mobile phone will only be on the market for less than two years before it’s replaced. Keeping cars and phones talking to each other is the crux of my job.”

Patrick’s priority is to ensure that, when it comes to consumer tech, Nissan is always one step ahead of the game. His team uses a network of industry contacts to predict future trends, as well as ensuring that the latest Nissan dashboard hardware and software works with the vast majority of existing and older handsets.

Based at Nissan’s European Technical Centre in Cranfield, UK, Patrick’s desk drawers are packed with dozens of phones, which he uses to develop and fine-tune connectivity. He makes and receives hundreds of test calls a day as he works on future Nissan vehicles.

“My job is to make sure anyone who walks into a Nissan showroom anywhere in Europe doesn’t walk out again because a car they want to buy won’t pair with their phone,” said Patrick.

Part of the future automotive landscape is Autonomous Drive. Nissan is already establishing itself as a global leader in the emerging technology, and ‘ProPilot 1.0’ (single-lane autonomous highway driving) will debut in Europe on the Nissan Qashqai during 2017.

Outstanding connectivity and data integration are vital pieces of the jigsaw, and Patrick is part of a global team of Nissan engineers which is working on developing connected vehicle architectures that have safety and security as their top priority.

* McKinsey and Company, Connected Car: Automotive Value Chain Unbound

USA - VW America customers loyalty cash & roadside cover after the emissions scandal, The UK, GETS SOD ALL.

• Package includes $500 Volkswagen Prepaid Visa® Loyalty Card, $500 Volkswagen Dealership Card, and Three-year, 24-hour Roadside Assistance

Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) has now announced it will extend the Goodwill Package to owners of 3.0L TDI Touareg models affected by the TDI emissions issue (model years 2009 – 2016). So, Volkswagen, what about the buyers of your cars in other parts of the world that you have lied and cheated too, or do you only care about the Americans, becasue you will find that we too, can fight, and we will.

The Goodwill Package provides owners with a $500 Volkswagen Prepaid Visa Loyalty Card, a $500 Volkswagen Dealership Card and no-charge 24-hour Roadside Assistance for three years.  

The Goodwill Package was originally launched in November 2015 for owners of affected 2.0L TDI vehicles.

 “As we continue to work tirelessly to develop an approved remedy for all affected vehicles, we would like to offer this gesture of goodwill to our valuable customers to thank them for their patience and support,” said Michael Horn, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America.

To receive the TDI Customer Goodwill Package, affected TDI owners should visit vwdieselinfo.com and enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). After registering on the website, customers will be sent related materials, which they can take to participating dealerships to activate.

Affected customers eligible for the Goodwill Package are not required to waive their rights or release or arbitrate their claims against VWGoA in order to receive the Package. 

More information about the TDI emissions issue is available at 

https://www.vwdieselinfo.com.

Audi of America, Inc. customers affected by the TDI emissions issues should visit

https://www.audiusa.com/about/diesel-information

Volvo Cars UK offers customers new on-line experience.

• Volvo Car UK launches new web portal to communicate direct with its customers
• Unique ‘My Volvo’ portal designed specifically around individual customers and their cars
• Bespoke news, product information and offers delivered direct to customers online

Volvo Car UK is transforming the way it communicates with its customers with the launch of ‘My Volvo’, an innovative new web portal.

My Volvo, which launches this week, is a new service that enables customers to establish an online relationship direct with Volvo Car UK that is personal to them and their car.

Existing customers can simply register their details via the portal at www.volvocars.co.uk/myvolvo to access a huge library of information, product news and exclusive offers and see information about their own car.

Even more exciting, for customers new to the brand, they can keep in touch right from the start of the experience, by tracking their car’s progress from the factory to its new home here in the UK.

While they await its arrival, they can also find out more about Volvo, familiarise themselves with Volvo ownership and even investigate some of their new car’s key features and technologies online.

The My Volvo site features video guides to a variety of features found on the latest Volvo models, including tips on pairing smartphones with the car via Bluetooth; how the infotainment system works; what security features are included on the vehicle and how to use the satnav.

In addition, there is a whole host of practical information – for example how to load the vehicle for a family holiday; driving with children and pets; tips for long-distance drives; advice on ways of driving more fuel efficiently and preparing for winter driving.

Future developments will include the ability to book vehicle servicing and maintenance with a Volvo retailer, while new send-to-car capabilities could, for example, allow customers to pre-set the cabin temperature or send destination information to their car’s satnav ahead of a journey.

David Baddeley, Customer Services Director at Volvo Car UK, said: “This is a real innovation for Volvo that will strengthen both our relationship with our customers and the way in which we communicate with them.

“We know that our customers value convenience and quality of service, so we’ve designed My Volvo to reflect those values as part of a unique customer service experience. The web portal enables us to build long-term, one-to-one relationships with people and further enrich the service we offer them.”

Nissan celebrates 30 years of Micra sales with dreadful offers for owners.

• Launched in 1983, Micra is now 30 years old
• Range of new offers to celebrate with loyal Micra customers

First launched in Britain in 1983, the timeless Micra is celebrating its 30th birthday this year. Micra has become an icon for Nissan and throughout its four generations, it has remained dependable and affordable. This fantastic achievement highlights Micra’s longstanding popularity.

It has always been said that life begins at 30 and to help Micras stay healthy, Nissan has announced a range of new ‘30’ themed offers for Micra owners.

All Micra drivers with over three years of ownership can now benefit from a MOT for as little as £30. They can also get their hands on some new accessories, with a considerable 30% off tyres and windscreen wiper blades.

Continuing the birthday celebrations, 30% can also be saved on Micra brake pads and batteries, now available from £45. Better still, all prices include VAT and come with free fitting.

Chris Marsh, Aftersales Director said: “Micra’s loyal customers have been instrumental to its success over the past 30 years. Nissan has introduced these offers to mark this great achievement and to say a big thank you to all Micra owners.”