In-Car Connected Services

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Smart In-Car Connectivity and Leasing

In-car connectivity is basically technology that allows devices and systems within a vehicle to connect with one another. Common examples of this include entertainment systems like Bluetooth, audio streaming and DAB digital radio.

However, ‘in-car connectivity’ can also refer to more sophisticated smart functionality through software applications that allow drivers to ‘connect’ with their vehicles through computers and smartphone apps, and can provide services such as breakdown/roadside, service reminders and service booking, diagnostic information and vehicle tracking.

The range of these services available varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and whilst some manufacturers may offer certain connected services for free, others may charge a fee from the outset or following an initial introductory period.

Advanced In-Car Connectivity Limits

With a lease car, not all of the advanced services will necessarily be available, this is due finance companies opting out of any connected technologies which may conflict with the services they offer. This may include services such as breakdown/roadside assistance, accident services and the arrangement of any servicing or repairs. Almost all leasing companies have adopted the same approach in order for them to manage their customers’ driver experience in line with their contracted responsibilities.

So What Can You Expect?

The service provides customers with a single point of contact throughout the life of their agreement, ensuring they receive the quickest recovery possible and a relief vehicle for 48hrs if required.

Whilst this is included as standard, it is doubtful that the same level of service can always be supported by manufacturers directly via connected technologies or in some cases could be a chargeable service. Furthermore, some manufacturer-led offerings may require sight of a driving licence or payment of a deposit – neither of which is a pre-requisite with the finance houses.

Additionally, should a vehicle fault not be remedied quickly, they have a dedicated Vehicle Downtime Management team who will work directly with the relevant manufacturer to expedite parts and/or repair, minimising the amount of time a customer’s vehicle is off the road.

For ad-hoc or routine maintenance we choose our service partners strategically, placing our vehicles on a case-by-case basis. Not only does this help to minimise vehicle downtime for our customers, but also allows us to manage our costs as effectively as possible and thereby pass on those benefits to our customers through competitive SMR rentals. By leveraging the economies of scale that come with being the largest vehicle leasing company in the UK, we are able to pass on those financial and logistical benefits to our customers.

In-Car Connected Services FAQs

At present, manufacturers do not always include such details in the description of individual vehicles, making it difficult to highlight where this technology is in place. If you are unsure as to whether this option has been chosen, please check with the manufacturer. It is essential that this is checked as connected technology functionality will not be available on the vehicle.

Yes. As a mandatory safety feature on new cars from April 2018, eCall functionality will be activated irrespective of the utilisation of other connected service.

They are currently investigating the feasibility of this with the individual manufacturers, though it would appear that for some manufacturers it is not possible to access only certain aspects of connected services. For example, Mercedes-Benz have confirmed that they cannot differentiate between individual services within their connected system. Other manufacturers such as Jaguar, Land Rover and Vauxhall are currently investigating whether this is possible.

We recommend that customers and drivers research their chosen vehicles thoroughly before placing an order. As always, your Account Director is on hand should you have any questions, and will work with you to communicate any update in our position as regards connected systems or any new technologies which may affect customers