Mini Launches Mobile App for Roadside Assistance
August 21, 2009
The fun, sometimes frivolous but often helpful mobile-device applications just keep proliferating and BMW AG's Mini USA -- often an innovator in clever methods to bond with its customers -- is introducing an "app" for roadside assistance, an idea that is likely to be copied by other automakers and third-party road-service providers.
Available to Mini owners with iPhone or Blackberry devices, the Mini Road Assist app enables a one-button connect with roadside-assistance services and, most importantly, uses the devices' built-in location identification software to relay the exact position of the disabled vehicle.
Although many onboard services such as General Motors Corp.'s well-known OnStar offer the same capabilities, they often aren't much use if locked out of the vehicle or the battery is dead.
"Mini owners appreciate technological innovation and will welcome the additional peace of mind that comes from having fast, easy access to the free roadside services provided during their warranty period," said Jim McDowell, vice president of Mini USA.
The app enables the Mini owner to select from one of several types of needed service and a touch of the "call" button sends the request. When the request is confirmed, the app in turn relays to the vehicle owner the name of the service provider and the provider's estimated time of arrival. The program is administered by Allstate Roadside Services
The AAA, probably the nation's most famous roadside-assistance provider, has a similar app called AAA Roadside.
Photo courtesy BMW North America Inc.
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