In a wide-ranging pilot which is now being launched in Ingolstadt, the new technology will first be tested and the acceptance of the service proven in practice over the next few months. Up to 13,000 cars will participate.
During the trial phase, the parking facilities and the car communicate with each other via an RFID transmitter. For this purpose, a wireless transponder is mounted on the inside of the car windshield. The parking lot user must register for the service once via an online portal using the car's transmitter number.
The Ingolstadt Economic Development Agency (IFG Ingolstadt) provides this service. It operates nine parking lots and underground parking garages in the city, with a total of 6,200 spaces and 21 entrances and exits.
The trial participants will receive a monthly bill from IFG detailing any parking charges incurred. The amount is then debited from the user's account by means of a direct debit mandate.
All Audi employees who lease a new car in the coming months are able to participate at the start of the trial. When the car is handed over, they receive the "Audi connect wireless payment starter kit", including a wireless tag. All parking lot users in Ingolstadt will be able to reap the benefits of the new system by the end of this year.
