Audi Pushes Ahead with New Innovations

Published: October 31, 2024
  • NXP’s Advanced Trimension UWB Portfolio is being deployed by Audi AG to enhance smart, hands-free secure car access functionality for the OEM’s new Premium Platform Electric
  • Gubagoo has partnered with all U.S.-based Audi dealers for modern chat and digital retailing tools to enhance sales and performance

In its bid to continue to be the on the leading edge of auto technology, Audi has entered with companies advancing hands-free secure car access modern chat and digital retailing tools.

NXP’s TrimensionNCJ29Dx family is the technology foundation being used for Audi’s advanced new UWB platform, delivering precise and secure real-time localization required by leading premium car manufacturers to enable hands-free secure car access via smart mobile device and other UWB-based features.

And for sales, Gubagoo has partnered with all U.S.-based Audi dealers for modern chat and digital retailing tools to enhance sales and performance, as well as elevate the customer experience both online and in-store.

NXP Partnership

Audi will leverage the fine-ranging capabilities of NXP’s extensive Trimension UWB portfolio to precisely identify the location of the driver in relation to the car, allowing the doors to be unlocked only when the driver is in close proximity to the car.

The tech in Audi’s Q6 e-tron vehicle will let drivers unlock and start their car hands- and key-free using the latest phones and wearables, detect and notify drivers if a child is left inside a vehicle, provide intrusion alert, allow kick sensing for opening a trunk, and enable automated electric vehicle (EV) charging.

“Audi has long been on the leading edge of automotive technology, and this new UWB-enabled platform is no exception,” said Ulf Warschat, head of development body electronics, Audi AG, said in a press statement. “The precise and secure real-time localization delivered by NXP’s Trimension UWB portfolio ensures that our drivers will benefit from the advanced features and capabilities, allowing them to enjoy the driving experience in a whole new way.”

Continuation of CCC Work

For NXP, the partnership with Audi in an outgrowth of in standardization efforts in bodies such as the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) and the FiRa Consortium.

The Trimension NCJ29Dx family is part of NXP’s portfolio of secure car access system solutions, which includes the NCF3340 NFC controller and the KW37 Bluetooth 5.0 Long-Range MCU. These devices are also in use by Audi as part of its new platform.

“UWB will continue to drive new enhancements to the consumer automotive experience and is quickly becoming an essential component in the automotive ecosystem,” said Markus Staeblein, senior vice president and general manager, secure car access, NXP Semiconductors. “NXP’s proven Trimension UWB platform enables OEMs to deliver new features for drivers, allowing secure and easy hands-free access to their cars, as well as supporting a variety of additional use cases like automated EV charging and more.”

Gubagoo Deal

When it comes to interaction with its current or future customers, all U.S.-based Audi dealers now have Gubagoo Chat and Digital Retailing, a service that allows website visitors to connect with a dealership 24/7/365 for an improved shopping experience that elevates Audi dealers’ brand reputation.

Combining automation with hundreds of live chat specialists, the technology offer the ability for dealership personnel to step in at any point in the conversation to close the deal that has won the Top Rated Driving Sales Dealer Satisfaction Award for the past nine years.

More than 8,500 dealerships, including 90 percent of the top dealer groups in North America, use Gubagoo’s chat, texting, behavioral marketing, and digital retailing tools to build trust with customers, generate higher quality opportunities, and sell more cars.

Brad Title Comments

Brad Title, president of Gubagoo, said “it’s an honor” to join the Audi Digital Program.

“We’re excited to assist our Audi customers migrate their current services and welcome new dealers to the Gubagoo platform,” said Title in a press statement announcing the partnership. “Audi dealers can sign up now and benefit from our long track record of success and excellence in customer interactions, while getting the most advanced tools and support.”

Title noted the smooth, seamless, transparent car-buying experience eliminates common customer frustrations by modernizing dealerships’ online and in-store platforms.

“By participating in Audi’s Digital Program, dealerships have the chance to secure Gubagoo Chat and Digital Retailing right now,” concluded Title.

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