Škoda, a leading Czech automobile manufacturer known for its innovative and driver-focused vehicles, and Parkopedia have expanded their collaboration to enhance the in-car payment experience.
The partnership aims to simplify vehicle-based purchases by introducing real-time notifications for Škoda drivers, helping them locate parking and fuelling sites where in-car payments are supported, according to FF News.
This enhancement ensures a smoother and more convenient connected driving experience.
Parkopedia provides comprehensive and accurate parking data services, enabling seamless in-car transactions for parking, fuelling, and charging across various locations worldwide. Its data is renowned for its quality and precision, crucial for connected vehicle functionality.
Škoda is a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, offering a range of vehicles, from fuel-powered models like the Fabia and Kodiaq to an expanding portfolio of electric vehicles (EVs) like the upcoming Elroq and Enyaq. Škoda is committed to integrating advanced features to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
The updated service introduces a ‘nudging’ functionality that alerts drivers when approaching locations supporting in-car payments.
Notifications appear on infotainment screens, guiding users to nearby parking or fuelling sites.
The feature will be available from Q2 2024 for fuel-powered Škoda models and expand to EVs like the Elroq at its launch, with broader integration planned for 2025.
The service eliminates challenges like out-of-order parking machines, payment issues, and the need for cash, aligning with the growing global demand for in-car payment options.
According to Parkopedia’s Global Driver Survey, 59% of European drivers prefer paying for parking through their car’s media system, highlighting the value of such enhancements.
This partnership reflects the automotive industry’s shift towards seamless, tech-driven solutions that reduce driver stress and distractions, while reinforcing Škoda’s reputation for providing driver-friendly features.
Markus Dohl, VP of Sales & Business Development Europe at Parkopedia, said, “New cars are now packed with a host of useful features, so it can be difficult for drivers to find the connected services they want while focusing on driving. Our new feature developed with Škoda, simplifies the payment process, intelligently informing drivers when convenient in-car payment services are available in their surrounding area or at their destination with onscreen notifications and prompts. This ensures that drivers can easily access Škoda’s valued connected services, bolstering its strong brand satisfaction and customer loyalty.”
Škoda technical project lead & product manager, Martin Handl, added, “Škoda is proud to offer a range of user-friendly features that take the stress out of drivers’ everyday lives and our latest feature with Parkopedia offers the same value, enabling drivers to get the most from their Škoda whenever they need to make vehicle-based purchases behind the wheel. From our driver feedback, we know that paying for parking and fuel can be a tedious and stressful task for our drivers, which is why we’ve worked with Parkopedia to streamline this process for our drivers with this innovative and valuable solution.”
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