Volkswagen and TomTom will intensify their cooperation. In the future, a jointly developed navigation system is to be integrated into the software of vehicles from the VW Group. E-cars in particular should benefit from new developments.
VW and TomTom: E-car sat navs should get much better
The well-known navigation provider TomTom and VW have announced their further cooperation. Both have been working together for a long time, now VW’s software specialist CARIAD is to set up a native navigation system directly together with the mapping specialists from the Netherlands. Included It’s not just the e-cars from VW’s ID range that benefit, but in the long term all vehicles from VW and the other group brands.
The main focus is on direct integration into VW’s systems. “By working with TomTom, we are taking another step towards transforming the Volkswagen Group’s cars into an automotive experience that integrates seamlessly into the driver’s digital life,” says Francisco Moreno, Head of Navigation at CARIAD (source: TomTom).
They agreed to work together for several years. During this time, not only, but above all, electric cars will benefit from new functions Range information and adapted route planning “far more precise as everything that is available today ”. Because the charging network is still patchy, e-cars and their drivers are often more dependent on reliable route planning than those with a combustion engine.
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The evaluation of the traffic volume depending on the lane is also announced, which is practical for motorway journeys. There is currently no date as to when which of the planned functions will be made available.
VW customers still have to be patient
Until then, tense customers have to be patient a little longer. The first vehicles from the VW Group to come onto the market with the new navigation system will be electric cars. It has not been communicated whether it will be a VW ID model, a Cupra, a Škoda or a Porsche. It should start in 2023. It is not yet known which functions will be on board at the start. It is said that new functions will gradually be made available in the following years via over-the-air updates.