Cars are becoming more and more connected, with many of them using apps like any other smartphone on the market. One of the leading manufacturers when it comes to in car technology, Audi is now broadening its services for clients who are travelling in Europe. All new Audi models will be equipped with a Audi connect SIM.
The factory-installed SIM card offers customers the advantage of being able to use the range of Audi connect services with the accompanying data flat rate both domestically and abroad.
The Audi connect SIM is a permanently installed SIM card, known as an embedded SIM or eSIM, which customers in Europe will receive in combination with the optional Audi connect equipment package. This transforms the car into a mobile communication centre.
The SIM card uses a LTE/UMTS module with a download speed of up to 100 MBit/s. Services include navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View, travel, traffic and parking information. In addition, drivers can access their Twitter and e-mail accounts and their smartphone’s calendar. The new SIM card contains an unlimited data volume for using these services. Another advantage is that in most European countries, the Audi connect SIM automatically accesses the provider for each specific country, as needed. This eliminates high, country-specific roaming charges and inconvenient roaming confirmations for the customer.
Later this year, customers will be able to purchase additional data packages for the Wi-Fi hotspot, independent of the integrated Audi connect services. It allows all passengers to surf the internet with up to eight mobile devices. If a customer selects a European data package, the data transfer also automatically works accordingly when crossing an international border – and thus when changing internet provider – at fixed prices.
The Audi connect embedded SIM is used in all new models that include the second generation of the modular infotainment platform. These are currently the Audi A3, the A4, the Audi Q2 and the Q7. Other model series will follow. The Audi TT, the R8, the A6 and the A7 are currently excluded.
