Volvo leading industry with standard car connectivity, telematics

(August 23, 2014) ROCKLEIGH, N.J. — With consumers’ lives becoming ever-more connected, Volvo Cars of North America has introduced Sensus Connect, Volvo’s connected car platform, combined with the Volvo On Call telematics solution, and the Volvo On Call smartphone app.

As the first manufacturer to offer such a system as standard equipment across the entire model range, Volvo is carrying its approach to design and safety into the connected car era. Customers can experience the system on all 2015.5 Volvo models, which are available now at all U.S. Volvo dealers.

Sensus Connect was developed to support customers’ growing needs to access infotainment that would be most useful when in the car, and is intended to enhance the day-to-day Volvo ownership experience. All new Volvos come integrated with cloud- and app-based services to make customers’ travels — and lives — easier and more enjoyable.

Elements such 3G connectivity service powered by AT&T, Wi-Fi hotspot and tethering capabilities, Internet, phone, and text message access (with text-to-speech), in-car infotainment apps, 24/7 call center support with in-car roadside assistance, and more, are all included.

When entering a Volvo with Sensus Connect, customers are first greeted with full-function steering wheel controls and enhanced, select voice control options for greater safety. The added functionality is integrated into the user interface in look, feel and operation, including the digital dash and seven inch center stack display. With 3G connectivity, customers can access a curated collection of entertainment- and navigation-related apps to:

    • Stream music, Internet radio stations, and podcasts (Pandora, TuneIn, Rdio, Sticher)

   •  Find restaurants, gas stations, and discover points of interest (Yelp, Wikilocation)

    • Share your location with others (Glympse)

    • Check the weather forecast

On vehicles equipped with in-car navigation (standard on premier trim levels and above), the system has also been upgraded, with 3D graphics and lifetime map upgrades, and is available as a standalone add-on. And with the Volvo On Call button, customers have the convenience of 24/7 roadside assistance and SOS emergency service access (with crash notification when the airbags or seatbelt pre-tensioners have been deployed), along with stolen vehicle tracking, for greater peace of mind.

A free smartphone app is also available with every 2015.5 Volvo model, the Volvo On Call app (available for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone) provides customers an instant status overview of their Volvo.

The app can show the Volvo’s current location, the status of its windows and door locks, details on recent trips, the vehicle’s fuel level and average fuel mileage, and more. A number of functions, including remote engine start to heat or cool the car before arriving (based on last used settings), honking the horn and flashing the lights, requesting roadside assistance, and even sending locations directly to the in-car navigation system, can also be performed via the app.