ATLANTA, Aug. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon
Telematics today announced the commercial availability of
hum, an aftermarket vehicle technology and subscription
service that enables drivers on the road to make their car smarter
through a simple solution regardless of their wireless service
provider.
First announced in January at the North American International
Auto Show as Verizon Vehicle, hum provides subscribers with
a self-installed solution that helps predict potential issues,
prevents breakdowns and offers protection when problems do arise.
At the simple press of a button, drivers receive diagnostic
information, pinpoint roadside assistance and live consultation
with ASE-certified mechanics and emergency personnel on-demand.
"Hum is an important service, one that we feel
passionately will help save lives and keep drivers and their loved
ones protected whether they are traveling across town or across the
country," said Andrés Irlando, CEO at Verizon Telematics. "This
service equips drivers on the road today with the same level of
information about their vehicles that fitness wearables deliver
about our health. Simply put, hum democratizes the safety
and convenience of vehicle connectivity."
Powered by Verizon Telematics technology deployed to some of the
world's most prominent automakers, insurance companies and fleet
managers for more than a decade – as the telematics service
provider's first direct-to-consumer offering – hum is
compatible with more than 150 million passenger vehicles on the
road today.
How hum works
Subscribers simply install hum
through an onboard diagnostic (OBD) reader that is plugged into the
vehicle's OBD port, and a Bluetooth-enabled device that is clipped
to the visor. The monthly subscription also includes a smartphone
app allowing subscribers to monitor their vehicle health, contact
help, and manage maintenance needs, even when they are not behind
the wheel.
Through GPS-based technology, hum helps accurately
dispatch advanced roadside assistance, alerts emergency personnel
of a car's location if a crash is detected, and assists authorities
in locating a vehicle that has been reported stolen.
"By modernizing traditional 'roadside assistance,' hum is
designed to deliver ultimate peace-of-mind behind the wheel,"
Irlando added. "Now, in addition to being protected with live help
and emergency services, drivers will know what their check engine
light means and will be empowered with information and knowledge on
how to get the problem fixed and what it may cost."
Specific features include:
- Pinpoint Roadside Assistance for breakdowns, flat
tires, overheating, dead battery or virtually anything else that
might require towing or roadside assistance.
- Incident Alert & Emergency Assistance
notifies the hum emergency response center if the system
detects an incident. Help will be dispatched to the vehicle's GPS
location if an accident is confirmed or if there is no response
from the driver for additional support. Drivers can also initiate a
call at the push of a button to speak with a trained, live
agent.
- Auto Health & Diagnostics helps predict and
prevent mechanical issues before they become bigger problems by
giving subscribers' insights into their car's health via the hum
web portal and smartphone app.
- Mechanic's Hotline connects subscribers with ASE
Certified Mechanics providing personalized, immediate and unbiased
consultation related to their vehicle's repair and maintenance
issues.
- Parking & Meter Tools help drivers find where
they left their vehicle — using the hum smartphone app — while also
keeping tabs on how much time is left on the meter.
- Maintenance Reminders and Alerts can be set for
oil changes, tire rotations and more. Additionally, hum will
automatically alert customers to vehicle troubles and general
manufacturer recalls.
- Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance is available
at the subscriber's request – hum can provide information to
authorities in order to help locate the stolen vehicle.
- Travel & Repair Discounts include hotels,
vehicle rentals, related travel expenses, and auto
maintenance.
Two year subscription plans start at $14.99 per month plus taxes, fees and equipment
for the first vehicle (including the hardware, valued at
$120) with the option to add other
vehicles for less. For more information and to purchase hum,
visit hum.com.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in
New York, is a global leader in
delivering the promise of the digital world. Verizon Wireless
operates America's most reliable wireless network, with 109.5
million retail connections nationwide. Verizon also provides
converged communications, information and entertainment services
over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers
integrated business solutions to customers worldwide. A Fortune 15
company with more than $127 billion
in 2014 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of 178,500.
For more information, visit
www.verizon.com/news/.
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150826/261103LOGO
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150826/261104
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/verizon-announces-the-availability-of-hum-creating-a-smart-connected-driving-experience-for-more-than-150-million-vehicles-300133339.html
SOURCE Verizon