Audi is widening its range of in‑car digital services with two new applications designed to streamline everyday motoring chores.
The apps, EasyPark and ryd, are currently available only in Europe and can be accessed directly through the Audi Application Store built into the brand’s MMI infotainment system.
EasyPark is aimed at removing the hassle of paying for parking. The service supports more than 60 000 locations in around 1 300 cities across Europe. When an Audi fitted with the app stops in a participating area and is placed in park, the system automatically brings up the option to begin a parking session. Drivers can manage or extend their parking time either on their phone or via the car’s display, while the session ends automatically once the vehicle pulls away at over 15km/h.
The second addition, ryd, brings several services together under one platform. It allows drivers to pay for fuel, electric‑vehicle charging and even selected car washes without leaving the car or handling additional cards. In Germany, the app works with major fuel brands such as Aral and Esso, as well as independent filling stations, and it links to roughly 90 per cent of public charging points. Across the wider European region, ryd connects users to more than 10 000 fuel stations and over a million charging locations.
When a driver nears a compatible fuel station, ryd identifies nearby options and prompts the user on the MMI screen. They can then choose the station, pick a pump, set a maximum fuel amount and approve the payment. A brief confirmation appears after filling up, and the journey continues without further steps.
For electric‑car owners, ryd automatically guides drivers to chargers and opens on arrival. From there, the process is simple: activate the charger, plug in and end the session either through the interface or by disconnecting. No contracts, cards or QR codes are required.
These additions expand Audi’s growing catalogue of in‑car apps, which already includes entertainment and information platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, Disney+ and Bloomberg. Access requires a myAudi account and an active data connection.
The EasyPark app will be introduced in stages by the end of the first quarter of 2026, while ryd is already live on all Audi models that support the Application Store.
Ford will launch seven new models in Europe by 2029, it announced recently, as it seeks to grow its flagging passenger car sales, fend off fierce competition from Chinese rivals and maintain an edge in the continent's commercial vehicle market.
House lawmakers in the United States (US) have proposed bipartisan legislation that would require electric vehicles (EVs) to pay a R2 227 ($130) fee annually for road repairs, and R578 ($35) for some plug-in hybrid models, according to Reuters.
Taking on the challenge of restoring a legacy brand to a stronger position in South Africa is now the focus for Dealer Principal David Venter and his team at Mazda The Glen in the south of Johannesburg.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Ford will launch seven new models in Europe by 2029, it announced recently, as it seeks to grow its flagging passenger car sales, fend off fierce competition from Chinese rivals and maintain an edge in the continent's commercial vehicle market.
The battle between Chinese carmakers and their Japanese competitors in South Africa increasingly appears to be a fait accompli in favour of the newcomers from China.
Volvo Cars and Google are working together to shape a new generation of driving experiences by combining automotive engineering with artificial intelligence.
