Connected services

What are connected automotive services?

Connected services represent a true revolution in the automotive industry, transforming the vehicle from a simple means of transport into an intelligent and interactive digital hub. Concretely, this is an ecosystem of features that use an Internet connection, generally provided by an integrated SIM card (eSIM), to communicate with the outside world. This permanent connectivity makes it possible to offer the driver and passengers a multitude of services that improve safety, comfort, navigation, and the overall management of the vehicle. Often controlled from the vehicle's central screen or a dedicated mobile application on a smartphone, these services have become a key element of a modern car's performance—not in terms of raw power, but in terms of efficiency, intelligence, and user experience.

The main categories of connected services

The features offered are vast and can be grouped into several main categories:

• Navigation and Information: This is one of the pillars of connected services. Gone are obsolete GPS systems; real-time traffic navigation makes it possible to adjust routes to avoid traffic jams. Added to this are online searches for points of interest (restaurants, gas stations with up-to-date prices), parking space availability, and destination weather reports.
• Safety and Assistance: Safety is paramount. The eCall system, now mandatory in Europe, triggers an automatic emergency call in the event of a severe accident, transmitting the vehicle's location to emergency services. Other services include geolocated roadside assistance, smartphone notifications if the alarm is triggered, and vehicle tracking in the event of theft.
• Remote Control and Comfort: Via a smartphone application, the owner can interact with their car remotely. They can check its status (doors locked, windows closed), honk the horn or flash the headlights to find it in a parking lot, and above all, start pre-heating or pre-conditioning the cabin—a major plus for year-round comfort.
• Maintenance and Updates: Connected services simplify upkeep. The car can send health reports, alert the driver when a service is due, and even book a workshop appointment. Perhaps the greatest advantage is the 'Over-The-Air' (OTA) update, which allows the infotainment system software, navigation maps, and sometimes even software managing engine or battery performance to be updated without ever visiting a dealership.

The link between connected services and performance

Although connected services do not directly increase engine power, their impact on the overall performance of the driving experience is undeniable. Navigation that saves 15 minutes on a daily commute is a form of performance. A vehicle whose software is constantly improved through OTA updates maintains optimal software and functional performance throughout its lifetime. In addition, an intelligent voice assistant, which relies on the cloud to understand complex commands, allows the driver to manage many functions without taking their eyes off the road, thereby improving safety and concentration. Predictive maintenance, by anticipating breakdowns, guarantees maximum reliability and availability of the vehicle. In short, connected services optimize the interaction between human and machine, making driving smoother, safer, and more efficient.

Today, most major manufacturers such as BMW (ConnectedDrive), Mercedes (Mercedes me connect), Audi (myAudi), Volkswagen (We Connect), Peugeot, or Renault offer connected service packages, often included for a 1- to 3-year trial period, and subsequently available via an annual subscription. They have become a major differentiator and an essential aspect of a new vehicle's value proposition.