HARMAN and CARIAD expand in-car app ecosystem for Volkswagen Group

HARMAN and CARIAD, the automotive software arm of Volkswagen Group, have announced an expansion of their in-car application ecosystem. This collaboration brings a diverse range of new apps to the Group Application Store, elevating the number of available applications to over 70, depending on the vehicle model and market.

The Group Application Store, which integrates with HARMAN's Ignite Store solution, allows Volkswagen Group to maintain control over third-party content, user experience, and customer relationships within their vehicles' infotainment systems. Audi has already implemented this store in select models from the 2024 model year, with plans to integrate it into the upcoming all-electric Audi Q6 e-tron, set to reach customers in August. Other Volkswagen Group brands are expected to follow suit in the near future.

Among the new additions to the app lineup are Booking.com, offering on-the-go travel arrangements; Eventseeker, a personalised event discovery service; Livil, an in-car messaging platform; Shelly Smart Control for IoT device management; and Tennis TV for streaming live tennis matches and related content. These apps join an already robust selection, catering to a wide array of driver interests and needs.

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HARMAN is also working on future collaborations to bring even more apps to the platform. Notable upcoming additions include a Bloomberg app for financial news and market updates and a Microsoft Teams integration for in-car conferencing capabilities.

The HARMAN Ignite Store stands out as a secure automotive platform that adheres to Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS) standards. It serves as a bridge between automakers and app developers, facilitating unique in-vehicle digital experiences for consumers while opening up new revenue streams for OEMs and developers alike.

Jens Beckmann, Senior Director and Business Lead for Store & FOD at HARMAN International emphasised the company's commitment to meeting consumer expectations, stating, "HARMAN Ignite Store continues to bring new app experiences into the vehicle, delivering on what consumers expect today. Our growing ecosystem of apps spans diverse sectors, ensuring there is something for everyone."

To showcase these innovations and highlight the impact of their strategic collaborations on the automotive industry, HARMAN and CARIAD will be present at DroidCon Berlin from July 3-5. Attendees can visit their booth at the City Cube Berlin to explore the latest developments in automotive software and app integration.

The enthusiasm for this expanded ecosystem is shared by the partnering app providers. Mark van der Linden of Booking.com expressed pride in making their services more accessible to travellers. Fraser Campbell, CEO of Wcities (Eventseeker), highlighted how their app transforms the in-car experience by offering personalised event recommendations. Nils Frers, CEO of livil, emphasised the unique opportunities their "In-Car Messenger" brings to drivers of Volkswagen Group vehicles.

Other partners, including Shelly Group, Microsoft, and ATP Media, also shared their excitement about the collaboration. Wolfgang Kirsch of Shelly Group praised the seamless integration of their smart home control app, while Raj Paul from Microsoft highlighted the safe use of Teams meeting functionality on the road. Stuart Taylor of ATP Media expressed enthusiasm about bringing Tennis TV to a broader audience of fans through this platform.