Caddy in focus: From 'Innovision Cockpit' to 'We Connect'

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−  Digital: individually adaptable workplace in the new Caddy

−  Large-scale: two 10-inch displays give a good overview

−  Fast: multifunction steering wheel with numerous buttons

−  Intuitive: natural voice control, touch-button islands and -  sliders

−  Optional: Caddy with analogue displays and rotary switches too

−  More effortless than ever: Mobile online services of ‘We  Connect’ make driving in the Caddy easier

Hannover, 11 June 2021 – An innovative feature of #volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ new Caddy is it configurable ‘Digital Cockpit’ with 10.25-inch screen. Together with the ten-inch navigation system and voice control it can optionally be configured to form the so-called ‘Innovision Cockpit’. The two displays, diagonally measuring over 25 centimetres in each case, form in this way a highly modern, #digital landscape – and do so along one line of sight for the driver. Be it an analogue or fully #digital world – ultimately customers decide for themselves how #digital their Caddy becomes – for analogue displays and rotary switches can also still be ordered. With ‘We Connect’ numerous online services are available if needed.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has redesigned the interior of the Caddy and largely digitalised it in the process. The all-rounder is for the first time optionally available with the #digital Cockpit. Centrally positioned in front of the steering wheel, the innovative display has a clear, high-contrast layout and a diagonal screen size of 10.25 inches.

Driver or user are able to choose from up to three different #digital cockpit views: for example, the  classic view, with round instruments for speedometer and rev counter plus a freely configurable middle view, the multi-function display of the on-board computer – such as the smart phone’s directory. Or with purely #digital views and various different information fields, focussed, for example, on the available driver assist systems. Integrated in the centre here is a user- definable display, e.g. of the media library.

In the case of the Innovision Cockpit, i.e. in combination with the top 10- inch navigation system Discover Pro, it is also possible in this way to have the navigation map shown not just between the two dials but also very conveniently across the whole width of the display. Quickly switching between the different views in the Caddy is done, by the way, simply by pressing the ‘View’ button on the city delivery van / family MPV's multifunction steering wheel.

A multitude of new #infotainment, radio and navigation systems with touchscreens are used in the Caddy – thanks to the MQB now centrally located and in a higher position than in the previous model and also slightly angled towards the driver. Dependent on the market, these systems are available with screens in three different diagonal sizes: 6.5 inches (16.51 cm), 8.25 inches (20.96 cm) or 10.0 inches (25.4 cm). They are systems from the second and third generation ‘Modular #infotainment Matrix’ (MIB2 and MIB3). And they are all linked to an Online Connectivity Unit (OCU with integrated eSIM) and thus – dependent on market and specification – have Internet capability, making them in effect ‘always connected’. Naturally, the ‘eCall’ emergency call system required in the EU is also always on board.

The Innovision Cockpit is arranged along one end-to-end line of sight and control. The Discover Pro combined #infotainment / navigation / air conditioning system (the top 10-inch system) can optionally be operated for instance via gestures, touch fields, sliders and direct access buttons or also by voice commands and via switches on the multifunction steering wheel. Via mobile online services of We Connect these controllable features can be further extended in a variety of ways.

Dependent on specification, Caddy customers thus have the choice: the initial interface with the driver and front-seat passenger is formed either by analogue instruments with a #digital multifunction display or – as an option / standard in the Caddy ‘Style’ version – by the #digital Cockpit with its fully #digital instruments. The new Caddy will in most versions continue to be offered as standard with analogue instruments, with the customers deciding for themselves to what extent their new Caddy cockpit is to be digitalised.

Digital touch buttons

All highly self-explanatory controls have been digitalised in the new Caddy. These include the so-called light and sight functions. The rotary switch for the lights to the left of the steering wheel has served its time – an island of touch buttons for ‘Light & Sight’ is taking over this role from now on, including, for instance, for the rear fog light and even for defrosting the windscreen and rear window.

Also #digital are the module underneath the #infotainment system with direct access buttons to the various menu functions and the likewise redesigned multifunction steering wheel, which has capacitive sensors for use in combination with Travel Assist. Besides that the Caddy has both a new roof module with Emergency Call button via eSIM and a button for the now electric handbrake, thus creating even more space in the interior.

The air conditioning, seat hearing and volume control have also been digitalised by means of buttons and sliders. And anyone not wanting to go without the tried and tested rotary knob for this can opt for the Caddy's smaller radio systems, such as the Composition Audio with 6.5-inch screen or the 8.25-inch Composition Colour. For regulating these three important functions is quick and easy via the touch sliders.

In addition to the buttons for light and sight there is also another island of touch buttons in the middle: these direct access buttons are within easy reach for both driver and front-seat passenger, located directly below the display unit's touch sliders – at the top in the central console. Via them you can likewise quickly and directly activate the #infotainment system's sub- menus, including the driver assist systems, air conditioning, Park Assist, assistance for getting in and out of parking spaces, and, of course – for emergencies – the Caddy's hazard warning lights, the button for which is in the centre. This ‘island’ is in effect the quick ‘short-cut’ – direct access to the menu system of the MIB, the latest ‘Modular #infotainment Matrix’ from the Group.

In addition, the new, powerful LED interior lights (which can also be operated and regulated by touch) and a power supply for external 230V devices enhance life on board. Another innovative feature is a possible roof vent for better climate control of the rear seating rows and faster stationary ventilation right into the back of the Caddy.

The new multifunction steering wheel in the Caddy also allows many functions to be activated, deactivated or adjusted while driving, without having to take your hands off the wheel.

On the Innovision Cockpit’s central #infotainment display, to the left on the visor, is the Control Bar that is always visible on the menu, showing time and network connection at the top, air conditioning indicator at the bottom and the Home button in the middle. By touching it, driver or front-seat passenger can at any time quickly get back to the main menu from anywhere else. From the main menu they can then access the telephone, navigation, radio/media, vehicle settings, etc. Using 'drag and drop’, the tiles can even be rearranged at any time to suit your personal preference. The Home Screen, also present in the system as an alternative to the main menu, can also be personalised as you wish in this way.

Smarter thanks to ‘We Connect’

Thanks to a solidly integrated SIM card, the Caddy is also able to go online from day one and can thus fully utilise #volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ #digital services.

For private customers We Connect is the entry point into a new form of #digital mobility. Using the We Connect app, they can connect their own smart phone with the Caddy. In that way they have access to an array of helpful vehicle functions and services. And that makes life simply more relaxed.

As standard or premium package

With We Connect the most important base functions are available free of charge and with no limit on the period of use. Once enabled, the service scheduling function automatically notifies the authorised workshop when the next service is due. The service partner is then able to contact the owner

or keeper of the vehicle and book it in. Using the We Connect app, you can also, for instance, have your phone show you where your vehicle is parked or its status.

In addition, with the more extensive We Connect Plus package further smart functions are available free of charge for a year (excluding navigation) or for one or three years free of charge (with navigation). The range of services depends here on the #infotainment system ordered and extends from intelligent navigation with real-time information via media streaming and Web radio all the way to automatic searching for a parking space.

In-Car Shop & In-Car Apps

We Connect customers are also able to buy and download practical functions and services directly from the #infotainment system’s in-car shop. Just like with a smart phone.

The latest in-car app is Amazon Alexa*, with the new Caddy being the first #volkswagen Commercial Vehicles model in which it is available. Need to create a quick shopping list or control compatible smart home appliances while out and about? In the Caddy thanks to Alexa that can be conveniently done by voice command. In order to be able to utilise Alexa, voice control for the #infotainment system and additional data volume are needed. The latter can be provided via a mobile hotspot or acquired via Cubic Telecom as a paid-for data pack.

Order online services retrospectively via ‘We Upgrade’

It is possible not only to update individual functions, but in many cases – they being ‘We Upgrade’ functions – also to enable them retrospectively. Voice control or App Connect, for example, can be retrospectively enabled at a future date via purchase from the in-car shop. Further upgrades, for instance a navigation function for the ‘Ready 2 Discover’ #infotainment system, will soon be added. The specific range of such functions available is naturally dependent on vehicle and model.

Ensuring an efficient fleet: ‘We Connect Fleet’

We Connect Fleet is #volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ #digital service for business customers. Keeping to servicing schedules, recording vehicle- related costs, reacting ever more flexibly – fleet management has become more complicated. It's good then, if it can be easily digitalised: #volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is offering We Connect Fleet as an option for the new Caddy too. Developed for business customers as a #digital fleet management system, it integrates features such as ‘Automated Maintenance Management’, ‘GPS Tracking and Route Information’, a ‘Digital Logbook’ and a ‘Digital Costs Log’.

And the best is this: We Connect Fleet is compatible with many other manufacturers’ models. That’s how intelligent fleet management works today.

The fifth generation of the Caddy, of which over three million have been made in the first four generations alone, is thus again offering another real highlight for its users: for the new Innovision Cockpit and the mobile online services of We Connect etc. in the new Caddy offer greater comfort for passengers and comprehensive scope for adjustment and individualisation.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ all-rounder, the new Caddy is based on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB), as is also being used in the Golf. In addition to the #digital Cockpit all the way to the Innovision Cockpit and the new navigation and #infotainment systems with their extensive add-on options, numerous further new technologies are now included in the Caddy, making it even more practical, efficient and impressive.

*Amazon, Alexa and all associated static or animated logos are copyright of Amazon.com Inc. or its subsidiaries. The Alexa function shown is dependent on smart home #technology. To use Alexa you need an Amazon user account. #volkswagen AG facilitates Alexa’s customer access in the vehicles. Alexa’s cloud-based services are offered by Amazon. In order to be able to use the Alexa in-car app in a #volkswagen, you need in addition a #volkswagen ID and a We Connect contract that includes the voice control option. The costs for data connection are to be borne by you. The Alexa in-car app is available / can be used only in British, Irish, German, Austrian, Italian, Spanish and French specification vehicles. Your #volkswagen partner can advise you on whether your vehicle fulfils this requirement. The above countries are currently supported only by the Alexa in-car app, as Amazon Alexa is available only for these countries.