Vinli Announces Major Partnerships with Meineke and Cox Automotive, with Service Powered by T-Mobile
September 15, 2016
Connected car company makes major moves into the automotive supply chain, and announces the largest app ecosystem for the car.
Dallas, TX - September 14, 2016- Vinli announced today that it has reached agreements with Meineke Car Care and Cox Automotive™ to bring connected car capabilities to millions of customers, with service powered by T-Mobile.
Today, Vinli offers the largest automotive app ecosystem, built on a secure and scalable platform with a hardware solution compatible with any car built since 1996. The company’s app ecosystem and partnerships continue to establish Vinli as the go-to solution for automotive industry partners and developers around the world to enter the connected car market with a ready-to-go flexible consumer offering.
Today, Vinli offers the largest automotive app ecosystem, built on a secure and scalable platform with a hardware solution compatible with any car built since 1996. The company’s app ecosystem and partnerships continue to establish Vinli as the go-to solution for automotive industry partners and developers around the world to enter the connected car market with a ready-to-go flexible consumer offering.
“Two years ago, we had this radical idea of bringing connectivity to every car on the road,” said Mark Haidar, CEO at Vinli. “With our companies working together on a shared goal, the entire automotive industry benefits - and, ultimately, so does every driver.”
With wireless connectivity from T-Mobile, Vinli offers its customers an in-car telematics solution, with service supporting apps, safety services and advanced diagnostics. In addition, customers have the option to upgrade to deliver in-car wifi – perfect for connecting every passenger in the car to their mobile entertainment needs, including music and video streaming.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Vinli on our joint vision to connect every car on the road. The connected car market, and extensive automotive ecosystem, present a unique opportunity for T-Mobile to address customer’s needs by bringing yesterday’s vehicles into the modern era with in-car connectivity and real-time vehicle information,” said Doug Chartier, senior vice president, IoT, Wholesale and National Retail at T-Mobile. “T-Mobile’s network provides fast, nationwide coverage for Vinli’s flexible and open platform to meet the demands of today’s drivers on the road. Together, we’re delivering connectivity for the fast lane – no detours.”
Vehicle Maintenance and Fleet Care with Meineke
The Meineke partnership unveils an innovative consumer and fleet service program designed to increase customer experience and measure customer retention. Utilizing the Vinli platform, Meineke is making vehicle maintenance for customers more open and transparent. Now car owners can get real-time alerts - from oil change reminders to decoded check engine lights - and easily schedule an appointment at their nearest Meineke Car Care Center. Fleet operators can also track vehicle performance and location in real time.
“We couldn’t ask for a better partner as we move Vinli into the automotive supply chain,” said Mark Spain, VP of Automotive at Vinli. “Meineke is deeply committed to delivering not only the best car care, but also the best customer care. We share in those values and look forward to a lasting partnership.”
“We see Vinli as a perfect fit for the innovative way Meineke approaches car care,” said Danny Rivera, President and CEO of Meineke. “Their open platform will introduce new ways to empower car owners on the road, no matter what car, or for what purpose, they drive.”
Sales and in-center installations will be available to Meineke Rewards customers at select Meineke Car Care Centers in October 2016.
Fueling the Next Dealership Generation with Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive entered into a partnership with Vinli to introduce the first-ever Connected Dealership Program. The program is being offered to its comprehensive network of 40,000 dealer clients across the U.S. and offers a complete solution in lot management and consumer connected car offerings.
By installing Vinli into cars on the dealer lot, dealerships gain access to a smart and fully-integrated tool showing live vehicle location, vehicle health management and driving history. When a car is purchased, Vinli gives every driver the freedom and choice to create the custom connected car experience they want with in-car wifi, apps and safety services.
“Our partnership with Vinli is an example of how Cox Automotive New Ventures helps accelerate next-generation innovation ventures around the globe,” said David Liniado, Vice President of New Ventures at Cox Automotive. “We already know connectivity is the next big frontier in the automotive dealership ecosystem. Of the solutions we’ve seen, only Vinli offers the flexibility, depth and technological prowess that is needed to provide a robust solution to both dealers and consumers.”
The Largest App Ecosystem for the Car
Vinli also announced that its application and developer ecosystem has grown to become the largest in the connected car industry, according to a recent Frost & Sullivan analyst report. More than 40 apps and integrations have been published on the platform this year, and another 100+ apps are in the pipeline.
The open and secure app ecosystem experience gives consumers and enterprises a range of choices and the ability to customize the experience to their needs by downloading and using the apps that are relevant to them. Customers are using Vinli apps to control their music using Drivemode, check live vehicle stats and location on Dash, track mileage expenses using Everlance, keep tabs on fleets with Betterways, and much more.
Recognizing the company’s commitment to customers, partners and developers, Frost & Sullivan awarded Vinli with the 2016 North American Aftermarket Telematics Customer Value Leadership Award on Monday in Santa Clara, CA.
“Very few players in the industry can offer the credibility and reach of Vinli,” said Siddhanth Kumaramanickavel, Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. “We’re honored to recognize Vinli with this award because of their strong overall performance. It was an obvious choice.”
“This is just the beginning for Vinli,” said Mark Haidar. “We are committed to continue paving the road with the most innovative companies in the industry to change the way the world drives.”
To learn more about these partnerships or to request a demo, click here.
About Vinli
Vinli was founded to bring connectivity to every car on the road today. The 4G LTE in-car WiFi connection unlocks virtually unlimited possibilities for safety services, home automation, maintenance, social, and entertainment apps and premium automotive services. As the world’s first open platform for connected car apps, Vinli has only begun to explore these possibilities. Spinning out of the Dialexa Labs incubator in 2014, Vinli officially launched on the TechCrunch Disrupt Battlefield stage. The company is now backed by some of the largest automotive and tech companies including Samsung, Cox Automotive, Continental, The Westly Group, and First Round Capital. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, USA. Find out more at vin.li.