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Audi has announced an expansion of its partnership with telco giant AT&T over provision of high speed Internet to Audi vehicles in North America.

The renewed agreement will facilitate the addition of many new features to the Audi Connect system in select 2017 and 2018 models. The features include new safety, security and infotainment features, such as remote lock and unlock, stolen vehicle locator, online roadside assistance and service requests over the AT&T network.

Chris Penrose, senior vice president, Internet of Things, AT&T Business Solutions, said: “This technology improves the driving experience by providing a whole new suite of services to Audi customers.”

Audi Connect provides services ranging from picture navigation to enhanced social media and mobile app integration, and access to up to 7,000 Internet broadcast stations. The next generation of features will provide emergency and roadside assistance services and the ability to access and monitor the vehicle from a compatible smartphone or smart watch app. Audi customers can share data among phones, tablets and their vehicles with AT&T Mobile Share Value or stand-alone plan.

Pom Malhotra, General Manger, Connected Vehicles, Audi of America, said: “Together Audi and AT&T are working to deliver the most comprehensive suite of applications and services to the vehicle. As we see with our homes and mobile devices, reliable and robust high-speed connectivity is a necessity and is fast becoming one for the vehicle.”