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Volkswagen’s New Virtual Assistant: Google-Powered Help Right on Your Phone Volkswagen is bringing new technology to drivers with a smart virtual assistant in its myVW app. This new feature, created with Google Cloud, helps drivers of 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models get answers about their vehicles and much more. By using artificial intelligence (AI), this virtual assistant is fast, accurate, and simple to use. This partnership between Volkswagen and Google Cloud is just the beginning of bringing smart tools to help drivers feel confident on the road. How Does the myVW Virtual Assistant Work? Volkswagen’s new virtual assistant is built with Google’s top technology, called Vertex AI and Gemini models. This technology allows the assistant to answer questions about the car in an instant. For example, if a light appears on the dashboard that you don’t recognize, you can simply open the myVW app and point your phone camera at the dashboard symbol. The assistant will then explain what the symbol means and what steps to take next. The virtual assistant does more than just answer questions about dashboard lights. It also acts as a digital owner’s manual. Need to know how to change a tire? Just ask the assistant! This feature pulls information from official Volkswagen sources, like the car’s manual, helpful videos, and even answers to common questions from other drivers. This makes it easy to understand the car and keep it in good shape. Why This Virtual Assistant is Different What makes this assistant so special is Google’s Gemini AI models. Unlike regular apps, Gemini is what’s called “multi-modal.” This means it can understand and respond to different types of data, like text, images, and even videos. This ability to process different types of information is why the myVW assistant can “see” your dashboard and explain things you point to with your camera. It’s a smart, flexible tool that’s made to give you help when you need it most. Coming Soon to More Volkswagen Cars Right now, the virtual assistant is available only for the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models. However, Volkswagen has big plans to bring this feature to more vehicles. That means more Volkswagen drivers will have easy access to this smart tool to help them understand and care for their vehicles. Making Car Care Simple and Easy Volkswagen’s virtual assistant is all about making life easier for drivers. The Chief Information Officer at Volkswagen Group of America, Abdallah Shanti, explained that the goal is to improve the ownership experience. With Google Cloud’s help, Volkswagen can connect drivers to their cars in a way that’s easy, fast, and accurate. This partnership with Google Cloud marks an exciting change in-car technology. Volkswagen is setting a new standard for driver convenience, showing how AI can make owning a car less stressful and more enjoyable. With the myVW virtual assistant, Volkswagen is leading the way in-car technology, making it simpler for drivers to get the support they need right from their phones. Volkswagen and Google are committed to helping drivers feel confident, safe, and informed. With this powerful virtual assistant in the myVW app, you’re never alone on the road. This is just the start of what Volkswagen and Google Cloud can do together! Visit Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville today to learn more about VW Technologies.

We at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville have a tech update for Volkswagen owners! Volkswagen recently implemented a ChatGPT -integrated Plus Speech voice assistant in its vehicles. The company's goal is to simplify and improve the overall driving experience. This new feature allows drivers to interact with their car’s voice assistant, IDA, using natural, hands-free voice commands. The integration is made possible through a collaboration with Cerence, a leader in automotive AI, and its Cerence Chat Pro system. As of September 6, 2024, this feature is available in select models, including the 2025 Jetta, Jetta GLI, and some 2024 models like the 82-kWh battery ID.4. The addition of ChatGPT expands IDA’s abilities, allowing it to do more than just control basic functions. While it can adjust the cabin's climate and navigation, it can also now answer general questions, suggest places to eat, or even give travel tips. For example, you could say, "Hi IDA, I'm cold," and the system will adjust the car's heating. What is Plus Speech? Many Volkswagen models will come with a subscription service called Plus Speech with AI via Volkswagen Car-Net. This tool is how the vehicle connects to ChatGPT. If you already own a compatible ID.4 with this subscription, the ChatGPT functionality will activate automatically. Most 2025 models, such as the ID.4 and ID. Buzz will include three years of Plus Speech with AI for free. Other models, like the GTI, Golf R, and Tiguan, will come with a one-year subscription, while cars like the Jetta and Taos will offer the service as an option. However, ChatGPT will be included with the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles starting in 2026. Are you shopping for a new vehicle in Fayetteville, AR? Click here to shop our new car selection online. Your Info is Secure The system works by connecting to the cloud when it can’t answer a question directly. Cerence Chat Pro uses ChatGPT to understand conversational questions. This provides drivers with a more interactive and enjoyable drive. Volkswagen also makes privacy a top priority. ChatGPT never accesses vehicle data, and any session information is deleted after each use to ensure security. Drive confidently in your Volkswagen vehicle with IQ.Drive. Click to learn more on our blog. Available Languages Volkswagen first introduced this feature at CES 2024, and it is available in five languages: US and UK English, Spanish, Czech, and German. No extra setup is needed—customers can use their existing VW Connect accounts to access the voice assistant. Just say, “Hello IDA,” or press a button on the steering wheel to start using it. Volkswagen’s integration of ChatGPT shows its commitment to making advanced technology accessible to everyday drivers. By adding ChatGPT, Volkswagen vehicles become smarter and more connected. It also gives users a more personalized and secure driving experience. Stop by Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville to see how artificial intelligence can improve your drive. Whether you're shopping for a compact daily driver or a large family SUV, we can help walk you through our vehicles' various features to help you decide which car best suits your lifestyle. Protect your vehicle with VW Carefree Coverage! Visit our blog to learn what these plans can offer you.

Your car's infotainment system is the central hub for a variety of your vehicle's tools and features. It provides a gateway to managing essential aspects of your drive and puts you in control of your journey. Volkswagen keeps improving this technology by adding new and innovative methods and tech. We at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville have compiled several helpful and innovative features these systems have to offer. Keep reading to learn what your Volkswagen Infotainment system can do for you! App Connect Effortlessly connect your phone with App Connect via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto! This lets you access various apps on your car's infotainment display, which are conveniently in your line of sight while you're behind the wheel. Customization VW infotainment systems provide you with superior control of your music, maps, and other media thanks to its innovative customization tiles. These let you set your system to your liking and ensure you know exactly where you can find your tools. Navigation One of the most essential and helpful tools that infotainment systems offer is maps and navigational tools. This technology provides audible directions and a map on your infotainment display, allowing you to focus on the road while giving you a clear sense of where you need to go. Music and Media Effortlessly swap between your favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks while on the road. Enjoy a seamless audio experience whether you're in the midst of a gripping chapter, catching up on your favorite podcast show, or in the mood for your top playlist. Voice Commands For added convenience, you can manage your vehicle's features with the sound of your voice with Voice Control. Simply press the Voice Command button and speak to use the vehicle's built-in system, or long-press to utilize your smartphone's voice system. This lets you place calls and select your media with just the sound of your voice. Artificial Intelligence Earlier this year, Volkswagen announced the plan to add ChatGPT AI to select vehicles by integrating it with the IDA voice assistant. This allows for seamless access to an information database while drivers are on the road and provides smooth control of your car's features. Plus Nav Get real-time navigation info with your in-vehicle infotainment display with Plus Nav! This gives you superb route guidance and up-to-date information on traffic and weather. And, with a Plus Nav Subscription, you can also easily locate nearby gas stations and parking. Plus Nav Features Interactive navigation Enhanced maps Continuously updated traffic Routes Parking info Want to test drive one of our vehicles near Springdale, AR? Click here to learn how! Volkswagen is really pushing the boundaries with their infotainment systems, making driving a whole lot more enjoyable. They've got everything you need - from easy phone connections and settings you can tweak to suit your tastes to enhanced maps and easy-to-use tools. Plus, they're even bringing in smart AI tech like ChatGPT to make things even easier, focusing on making your journey smoother. Their Plus Nav feature is a standout, helping you get around with ease. In short, Volkswagen's infotainment system is not just about getting you from A to B; it's about making the ride fun and futuristic. It's clear they're all about using the latest tech to make driving better for everyone. Click here to shop our selection of new VW vehicles.

Access your vehicle's full potential with myVW! This program lets you take complete control of your car with helpful technologies to make owning and maintaining your vehicle a breeze. myVW simplifies your vehicle ownership and keeps you connected to your car, no matter where you are. Take the next step in your VW ownership and keep reading to learn how myVW can enhance your vehicle ownership. Are you shopping for a used vehicle? Click here to learn about our Certified Pre-owned Volkswagen cars! myVW App Whether you're on the go or at home, you can take control of your Volkswagen vehicle! The myVW smartphone app provides tools and tips to get the most out of your car. Service Information The myVW app provides convenience by allowing you to schedule service appointments online. You can also access your vehicle's past service history. Click here to learn about our dealership's financing options! Remote Start If you want to prepare your car before heading out, you can start it remotely with myVW! This feature also lets you automatically set climate control. Whether it's a cold winter morning or a hot summer afternoon, you can perfectly prime your cabin before your drive. Utilities at your Fingertips If you need to unlock your car for a friend or are worried that you forgot to lock up your vehicle, you can lock and unlock your car doors with the myVW app! You can also honk and flash your vehicle's lights. Tracking Your Car If someone else is driving your vehicle, you can keep tabs on their location! Plus, you can get notifications for the vehicle's speed, curfew, valet, and boundary alerts. This is perfect if you're a parent with teen drivers. You can also track vehicle condition information like fuel levels, mileage, odometer, trip stats, vehicle recalls, and service campaigns. Last Car Location Did you forget where you parked? myVW can help! The app's location features help you easily find your vehicle's last parking location. And you can locate the nearest Volkswagen dealer with only a few simple clicks. Security Travel confidently with Volkswagen Car-Net Safe & Secure subscription. If things don't go quite to plan, these features have you covered. They include: Emergency Assistance Automatic Crash Notifications⁠ Anti-Theft Alerts⁠ Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance⁠ EV Information If you own a Volkswagen EV, you can check on information like your vehicle's battery status as well as charge and battery settings with the myVW app. Plus, you can start and stop your vehicle's battery charging with just a few clicks. Click here to learn about Volkswagen's electric vehicles! The myVW series of features ensures you get the most out of your drive via the intuitive smartphone app. These features are currently compatible with models from 2020 and newer. If you have questions about the myVW app or its features, stop by Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville today or contact our team!

Volkswagen is jumping head-first into the world of artificial intelligence! The car manufacturer just announced its plan to integrate Chat GPT into its vehicles. This will make VW the first volume manufacturer to offer Chat GPT as a standard feature and will start sometime very soon. This artificial intelligence-based chatbot will be part of the IDA voice assistant. VW's partner, Cerence Inc., is providing the foundation of this function with Cerence Chat Pro. How it Works This system is hands-free and will integrate automatically into your vehicle's current infotainment upon its release; there's no need to download a new application or program. To activate these features, all you have to say is, "Hello, IDA," or press a button on the steering wheel. The current system allows you to control the cabin's temperature and navigation with just your voice. With this new AI integration, you can ask the system more advanced questions or more obscure requests. For example, you can tell the system you would like a menu item, and it will provide a list of restaurants that would serve that dish. If your request or question cannot be answered locally, the information will be sent up to the cloud autonomously and processed with the new technology. Your Privacy This jump to new technology can be concerning and frightening, especially when discussing Artificial Intelligence. However, Volkswagen stated that ChatGPT cannot gain access to any vehicle data, and your answered questions are deleted immediately. This process makes sure you have the highest possible level of data protection. "Volkswagen has always democratized technology and made it accessible to the many. This is simply ingrained in our DNA. As a result, we are now the first volume manufacturer to make this innovative technology a standard feature in vehicles from the compact segment upwards. Thanks to the seamless integration of ChatGPT and strong collaboration with our partner, Cerence, we are offering our drivers added value and direct access to the AI-based research tool. This also underlines the innovative strength of our new products," Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for Technical Development Kai Grünitz said in a press release. What Cars Will Have AI? This AI Technology will be part of Volkswagen's latest infotainment generation. These models includes: ID.4 Tiguan Golf ID.7. (Coming Soon) VW AI Lab After Volkswagen announced its partnership with Cerence and AI integration, the company also announced the establishment of its own AI Lab. This establishment won't manufacture production models but will instead work as an incubator for the Volkswagen group. The team's objective is to identify and coordinate new product ideas internally. VW aims to simplify collaboration with tech companies to keep up with this new technology. "With our new 'AI Lab', we are combining technological expertise, flexibility and speed in collaboration with external partners. This will be crucial in the highly dynamic AI sector," said Michael Steiner, Head of Research and Development of the Volkswagen Group in a press release. "We will pursue highly promising initiatives in the marketplace, together with partners where this is necessary, irrespective of existing arrangements and other links in series production." Want to test out one of our vehicles in Fayetteville, AR? Click here to learn how to schedule a test drive!

Volkswagen is one of the most beloved car brands in the nation. Not only do these vehicles have a great reputation for being reliable and low maintenance, but you can also count on these cars to last a long time, too. This year, there are plenty of eco-friendly cars to explore in the VW lineup when you visit your VW dealer for a new car. Five Eco-Friendly Cars in the 2023 Volkswagen Lineup At Your VW Dealer 1. 2023 Volkswagen Jetta The Jetta has been a flagship model in the Volkswagen lineup for years. This year, each of the Jetta trims has excellent fuel efficiency. The base trim has a 1.5L, four-cylinder engine with either a manual six-speed transmission or an automatic transmission. The automatic transmission gets 31 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway, while the manual configuration gets 29 MPG in the city and 42 MPG on the highway. Higher trims have similar specs. 2. 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 The ID.4 is the shining star of this year's Volkswagen lineup. This fully electric SUV has been turning heads for drivers and critics alike. Starting with the base trim, this electric SUV gets 115 MPGe in the city and 99 MPGe on the highway. The ID.4 AWD Pro and Pro S both get 104 MPGe in the city and 93 MPGe on the highway. The ID.4 Pro and Pro S without AWD get 115 MPGe in the city and 98 MPGe on the highway. 3. 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan The Tiguan is one of the more popular SUV options in the Volkswagen lineup. For the base trim, which has a 2L, four-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission, drivers can enjoy 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The S trim has slightly better fuel economy, with 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. 4. 2023 Volkswagen Taos The Taos is a great addition to the SUV selection offered by Volkswagen. The Taos has a 1.5L, four-cylinder engine with an automatic eight-speed transmission. This SUV gets 28 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway, which equals a combined fuel economy of 31 MPG. 5. 2023 Volkswagen Arteon For drivers who love a compact car, the Arteon is an ideal model. This car has a 2L, four-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission, which gets 25 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The trim with the 4motion upgrade gets 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. If you're a Volkswagen lover, you won't be disappointed by the fuel-efficient cars included in the 2023 lineup. Visit Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville in Fayetteville, AR to take these cars out for a test drive today.

When you're choosing a VW, you might not find all the options you want on a VW on the lot. Don't despair: you can easily order a new VW online. When you choose to design your new VW, you can customize features to get the perfect vehicle for you. As your VW dealer, we want to tell you more about how this process works. From Your VW Dealer: How To Customize Features on Your New Volkswagen Designing Your VW at Your Dealer There are two ways you can design your perfect VW. The first option is to visit your dealer, and one of our team will go through all the design selections with you. You can choose colors, engine options, and numerous other features on the model you want. Once you've chosen all your options and are satisfied with your design, we'll submit your order to VW. We'll keep you updated on your car's progress and advise you as soon as your new car has arrived. We can then arrange delivery to you, or you can visit us to collect your vehicle in person. Designing your VW Online You can also design your VW online on the VW website. If you choose this route, you receive online guidance on the options available. When you make a selection, your choices will be added to your order, and the price will be updated. Once you've completed your online design, the order will be sent to us, and we'll contact you to complete the process. What Can You Customize? Your customization options depend on the VW model you choose. A VW Jetta, for example, only has one engine type available, a 1.5L Turbo 4-cyl with 158HP. In this option, you can't choose the engine, but you can choose an automatic or a manual transmission. The trim level you choose will also affect your choices, as higher trim levels include many optional items as standard. You can choose from a host of optional extras ranging from rubber floor mats to trailer towing packages. Once you've completed your design, you can review it and make any changes. Completing Your Order After the design process is complete, the next step is to choose the option to lease or buy. If you choose to buy, you have the option for a finance deal or a cash deal. During this stage, you can also provide details of any trade-in you want to add to the deal. A car can be very personal, as it's a reflection of who you are. Choosing all its options allows you to get everything you want and leave out anything you don't need. Contact us today to order your new VW at Crain VW of Fayetteville.

Your VW dealership wants to help you secure all the benefits of owning a Volkswagen. Read on for more information about one major potential perk: the new extended warranty. The VW Extended Warranty: Carefree Coverage Volkswagen's suite of ownership benefits, known as Carefree Coverage, comes standard with every new VW model purchased. The initial plan includes two years or 20,000 miles of scheduled carefree maintenance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a four-year or 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. If you want expanded protection, however, Volkswagen Drive Easy's Vehicle Service Protection upgrade is a solid investment. Warranty Coverage With a Drive Easy VSP plan, you can potentially extend the aforementioned warranty to 10 years or 150,000 miles. Just as with the limited warranty, this benefit will cover factory defects and many mechanical breakdown failures. Typical wear-and-tear or damage derived from an accident are generally not included in coverage. Specific parts covered will depend on the tier of the plan you choose. The basic powertrain extension, for example, will pay (minus deductibles) for the repair or replacement of the engine, transmission, drive axle, and hybrid/electric components. The mid-level gold extension adds coverage for electrical and fuel system parts, front and rear suspension, shocks, and climate control. The most robust coverage is under the platinum tier, which also covers steering, brakes, navigation, audio, CV boots, and high-tech components. Roadside Assistance Your 24 hours a-day, seven days a week roadside assistance continues under VW Drive Easy. Many commonly needed services are available with this assistance: flat tire fixes, towing, fuel refills, lock-out aid, and battery jumpstarts. Reimbursements If your VW is out of commission, the Drive Easy plan may help you pay for expenses you incur. For one, if you need a rental car to get you around, you could be reimbursed as much as $35 a day for up to ten days for your rental costs. Likewise, if your VW breaks down while you're on vacation at least 100 miles away from your home, you could see up to $200 a day (for five days) of compensation for meals and lodging. Why Go Extended with a VW Dealership? VW Drive Easy plans are only available through your local VW dealer. With enhancements like the trip interruption coverage, these plans are among the most generous in the business. Plus, if you trust repairs to the dealer who sold you the warranty, then you might even get to forego your deductible with the disappearing deductible option. Choosing these plans also means you'll be assured of genuine Volkswagen parts for servicing. Further, if you sell your vehicle, the plan you choose is transferrable. While many VW models like the Volkswagen GTI boast above-average reliability ratings, you can never forecast when an unexpected issue might arise. Get peace of mind today. Contact Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville and drive easier with an extended protection plan suitable for your needs.

Nowadays, you'll find a terrific range of advanced tech features in a modern Volkswagen car. And these technologies are improving all the time; some of them even upgrade automatically in your car. Let's take a look at five excellent VW features designed to supercharge your driving experience. And if you'd like to see them in action, visit your nearest Volkswagen dealership for an in-person demonstration. 5 Impressive Tech Features You'll Find on Today's VW Vehicles 4Motion Active Control With the 4Motion Active Control feature, you have a driving experience that can adapt itself to the road conditions at each moment. There are four driving modes that you can switch between simply by turning a dial. These modes include snow, normal road, off-road, and an individually customized setting. Each mode adjusts a variety of elements such as four-wheel drive, engine performance, gearbox configuration, steering torque, suspension tension, climate control, and more to suit your moment-by-moment driving needs and preferences. Bluetooth Phone Pairing You can now seamlessly pair your smartphone or tablet to your car, allowing greater control and enjoyment of most in-car technologies and infotainment features. Once paired, you can enjoy music, radio, and podcasts more easily while on the road. You can also control most of your phone's apps through your car's larger touchscreen. Pairing also allows you to make calls without taking your hands from the wheel or eyes from the road. And your passengers can enjoy movies, games, social media, and other entertainment which help make long drives more enjoyable; it's easy to pair more than one device and then toggle between them. Electronic Parking Brake System When the Auto Hold electronic parking brake system is activated, an ABS hydraulic unit applies and maintains the parking pressure you last applied. This feature safely prevents your car from rolling if you ever park on a slight hill. Sensors in your car can immediately detect any rolling and apply enough braking force to keep your car stationary. Driver Alert System On longer drives, fatigue is a danger that all drivers face. With the Driver Alert System, your car learns your ordinary driving habits and can detect signs of slightly erratic driving that might indicate tiredness. It then gently alerts you and encourages you to stop for a break. Automatic Software Upgrades The latest VW electric vehicles have a sophisticated operating system that connects directly to the internet and automatically upgrades itself each time there's an update. This cutting-edge system allows VW electric cars to continuously advance their electric powertrain and architecture until they one day become fully automatic. Ask for a Demo at Your Local Volkswagen Dealership Take a closer look at these terrific technological VW features, and many more, at your nearest dealership. The staff will be happy to provide a demonstration and test drive. Visit Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville today to learn about all the latest VW cars have to offer. We're the region's number one dealership for VW vehicles, offering an excellent range of cars and top-notch customer service as well.