At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Verizon announced Verizon Vehicle, a new connected-car service available directly to consumers in the US designed to modernise traditional roadside assistance while also enhancing driver safety, convenience and savings.
Expected to make its commercial debut in the second quarter, Verizon Vehicle is a subscription-based service that operates through an OBD reader that can be self-installed in the under-dash diagnostic port, a Bluetooth-enabled speaker attached to the visor and a complementary smartphone app. Members can choose to use the app or elect to set up the service to contact them, by phone, text, push notification or email, if a potential issue is detected with their vehicle. The speaker offers one-button push connection to the member care group, the mechanics hotline and roadside assistance, as well as a second button for SOS emergency situations.
In addition, Verizon Vehicle will include GPS-directed pinpoint roadside assistance, automatic urgent incident alert system, auto health system with predictive diagnostics, mechanic's hotline, parking and metre tools, maintenance alerts, stolen vehicle location assistance and travel and repair savings.
