‘Connected’ is a catchword in the auto industry today and advanced new technologies are providing this in cars. The advanced connectivity enables carmakers to provide even better safety, security and convenience and in many cases, interfacing with smartphones as well.
With Honda CONNECT, Honda Malaysia is bringing its latest innovative and advanced technology using smart Telematics Technology to allows the users to connect with their cars with a touch of their fingertips via a smartphone application.
New level of connectivity
Honda CONNECT is said to bring connectivity to a whole new level for owners. Key functions include Vehicle Diagnostics, Remote Applications, Security Applications, Vehicle Tracking and Support Services. All these are accessible from anywhere (via the smartphone), giving additional peace of mind.
“The technology within Honda CONNECT embodies Honda’s vision of value creation for mobility and people’s daily lives. Driven by the passion to share the 3 Joys of Honda through this intelligent and advanced technology, we seek to improve the daily lives of our customers with an innovative and advanced information platform that provides multiple benefits such as peace of mind, convenience and most importantly, fun!” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.
“This innovative technology is set to redefine safety, security and convenience for Honda car owners, allowing them to fully experience and enjoy their Honda car while enabling us to provide round-the-clock support to our valued customers,” said Mr. Ishiyama, adding that Honda CONNECT technology is available in the all-new City RS e:HEV variant which will be delivered to customers from this month.
Safety, Convenience and Security
Within the function of Safety and Security, Honda CONNECT is equipped with Automatic Collision Detection System, Security Alarm Detection, Speed Alert, Find My Car, Geo-Fencing Alert and Emergency Call. The Automatic Collision Detection System provides immediate support to the driver via Honda’s 24 Hours Roadside Assist Call Centre in case of an accident or airbag deployment in the car, when a notification will be sent to the Call Centre and emergency support will be dispatched.
Users of Honda CONNECT will also be notified via push notification on the application when collisions are detected with the car, and help will be at hand in case of any emergency.
The Security Alarm Detection feature remotely monitors the car situation from wherever the owner is and a push notification will be sent to the owner as well as the Call Centre when the car door, bootlid or bonnet are forcibly opened. This could mean attempted car theft and will trigger the security alarm accordingly. Ultimately, it offers the assurance of being able to park the car with more peace of mind.
Taking connectivity to another level, owners are also able to conveniently and safely locate their vehicle with the Find My Car function which allows owners to park with ease anywhere knowing that they can now easily locate their car on a map that is linked to their smartphone.
The Speed Alert and Geo-Fencing Alert function is to alert and notify the owner when the vehicle is being driven out of the set conditional parameters of driving radius and speed limit. The owner is also able to set the speed and location range in the system for monitoring purposes if the vehicle is being used by someone else. This will be a feature that parents will appreciate but their children who use the car might not…
Enhancing the ownership experience
Honda CONNECT also adds convenience to car ownership with multiple features such as Remote Vehicle Control; Car Status and Service Reminder; Vehicle Dashboard and Point of Interest search. One of the most useful and convenient functions is the Remote Vehicle Control function which is able to command remote locking/unlocking of the car even when the owner is away in order for a family member to retrieve an item left inside the cabin. An example might be if the owner is in Penang on business and the son wants to borrow the tollcard in the car but it is locked. With Honda CONNECT, the door can be unlocked to allow the son to get in and take the card, and then locked again – from Penang.
Similarly, owners can also request for the Call Centre to unlock the doors remotely if the car key is accidentally left inside. Besides the car lock, this intelligent feature can also remotely start or stop the car engine, switch on or off the air-conditioning to conveniently cool the cabin as well as remotely switch on the lights to help the owner locate the parked car at night.
Service support
The vehicle dashboard will show information such as Car Status and Service Reminder. This information will be connected and displayed on the Honda CONNECT application as alerts and reminders. An emergency call function enables users to quickly connect with emergency contacts who can provide prompt support and assistance in emergencies.
Driving behaviour and Trip logs can track and record driving styles with driving data from the connected vehicle. The Service Reminder function provides users with updates on all past service information including reminders for next required maintenance. Users can check Service History, Parts List and Estimation cost for future vehicle service as well as contact a Honda Dealer to make a service appointment.
Remote Diagnostic Support provides initial assessment and necessary diagnosis by detect any issues with 11 main indicators. The Call Centre will arrange for necessary support, if requested by the owner. Similarly, with the other safety and security features, a push notification will be sent to users when trouble occurs with the vehicle.
The 11 indicators supported by the Remote Diagnostic Support are ABS, Supplemental Restraint System (airbags), Brake System, Engine Malfunction, Charging System, Vehicle Stability Assist System, Electric Power Steering System, Lane Keep Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control System, Safety Support and Power System.
Social Network Services
Honda CONNECT also offers an advanced form of communication through the One-to-One Message function, Social Network Services (SNS) Posting and Customer Inquiry features. The One-to-One Message are reminders on service maintenance, insurance renewal and annual vehicle roadtax deadline, while SNS Posting allows users to share their vehicle trip logs with their community via social media. Additionally, the application connects and gives access for the owner to contact Honda directly for any enquiries as well as for Honda dealers to be in touch with customers.
More information on Honda CONNECT is available by calling Honda Malaysia’s Toll-Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or visiting www.honda.com.my.
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