Skoda nears launch of connected services in Australia

Skoda CEO Lucie Kuhn has stated that the automaker is nearing the launch of factory-backed connected services in Australia, though the technology will not be available within this calendar year.

Currently, Volkswagen Group's mass-market brands in Australia lack the integrated connectivity found in their premium brands like Audi and Porsche, or in competitors such as Tesla, Toyota, and Ford. This absence means many owners lack access to features like live satellite navigation, digital keys, emergency call functions, and over-the-air software updates.

While Volkswagen Australia has utilized a third-party app called Goconnect to provide basic functions like vehicle location and battery monitoring, Skoda, Volkswagen, and Cupra are reportedly lobbying their parent company to implement proprietary, factory-backed services to remain competitive in the Australian market.