Apple Watch: Volkswagen app lets users open car from wrist and send alerts when drivers speed

VW follows Tesla in letting smart cars be controlled from Apple’s smartwatch

(Volkswagen)

Volkswagen will now let owners of its cars control them from the Apple Watch, opening doors and monitoring their location from the new wearable.

The company’s smart cars will be able to be controlled by the watch, which will allow users to change air conditioning settings, look where their car is and open doors. The company launched internet-enabled “Car-Net” service last year, but it is now rolling out to the wrists of those with the Apple Watch.

The app can also send notifications to owners about how their car is being driven when they’re not using it. Customers can get notifications about whether their car is speeding and where it is, as well as alerts if the car goes out of a pre-set boundary — allowing them to track whether it is being driven responsibly by their children, for instance.

The location tools also allow users to be able to find their car if they’re not sure where it’s been parked. As well as seeing it on a map, the watch can honk the horn and flash the headlights so that it can get noticed.

Other car companies like Elon Musk's Tesla have already updated their apps to take advantage of the Apple Watch.

VW’s Car-Net service is available on Beetles, CCs, Eos, Jetta, Passat and Tiguan cars made in 2014 or later. All 2015 or later Golfs have the feature.

Volkswagen has been looking to expand its range of smart cars, and announced new features at the Consumer Electronics Show last year. The company’s MirrorLink technology allows for phones to be used on the cars built-in screen, including the automobile software made by Apple and Google.