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When the emergency services recently received a call from a BMW involved in a road accident, police, paramedics and fire officers were quickly on the scene. The speed with which the call was made was vital. Only it wasn’t made by a person: the crash sensor in the BMW automatically activated the Emergency SOS call which alerted the 999 call centre, and the BMW’s GPS system notified the centre of the car’s location so the operator was able to send the required help. 

Automatic Emergency SOS Service is just one element of BMW ConnectedDrive, a range of innovative in-car information and communication services that work together to keep you safe and in touch.

“BMW ConnectedDrive is as useful in everyday situations as it is in an emergency,” said Jack Cassidy, Dealer Principal, JKC.  “Its facilities are especially beneficial if you spend a lot of business time on the road as they enable you to access a range of services from the comfort of your car.”

For example, if you are travelling in unfamiliar territory, Information Plus connects you to a BMW Service Centre operator who can send you details of nearby hotels, restaurants and other places of interest. Using the information sent to your car you can then, for example, make a restaurant booking and be guided to the door, without breaking stride.

“One of the toughest aspects of travelling is being out of touch,” added Jack Cassidy. “BMW ConnectedDrive gives you access to news, sports, weather and Google business listings while you’re on the move. These services are available via the BMW Online internet portal, and you can even configure BMW Online to supply your preferred choice of news using RSS feeds.”

ConnectedDrive also enables you to send addresses directly from a computer to your car to help plan your route. You can either send the information yourself before you set off, or you can call a friend or colleague and ask them to send the Google Maps information from their computer.  Because all ConnectedDrive services are fully integrated with your navigation system and Bluetooth telephone preparation, you can call the number supplied or transfer the address details into your navigation system and follow the new route. Ideal if you’re on the road without access to the information you need.

And roadside assistance is never far away. If you break down or run out of fuel, BMW mobile service will connect you to a BMW Service Centre operator who can then identify your location and send assistance.

Available free of charge for the first three years to anyone purchasing a new BMW equipped with Bluetooth telephone preparation and a navigation system, BMW ConnectedDrive not only gives you instant access to help and information, it does so even if you do not have your mobile phone with you or if your battery is dead. This is because ConnectedDrive services are accessed through a SIM card in your car, not the one in your phone.

To benefit from BMW ConnectedDrive services call 0800 561 0555 or visit www.bmw.co.uk/connecteddrive and register your details.  For any further information, please contact us in the dealership on 028 7035 5222.