MG Motor India introduces Car-as-a-Platform model for Astor

With the automotive industry gearing up with new innovations and digital-savvy customers looking to get more from their vehicles, MG Motor India has introduced Car-as-a-Platform (CAAP) subscription model for its recently launched the Astor midsize SUV.

The OEM says the Car-as-a-Platform model brings endless possibilities and software as a disruptor along with a host of service partners. The SUV will feature on-demand in-car services and subscriptions in the areas of utility, entertainment, security, consumer payment, and more in near future.

MG has partnered with Jio for embedded sim and technology to provide high-speed in-car connectivity. The eSIM and IoT solutions will enable MG users to access real-time connectivity, infotainment, telematics and music streaming service JioSaavn, which gives access to 60 million Bollywood, English, Hindi, and Indian regional tracks on the go, including podcasts. Customers will get free 4GB monthly internet pack in the SUV, which can be further customised up to 9GB and 14GB at an additional cost.

The company has also partnered Park+, which will allow MG customers to leverage the tech-backed value proposition to pre-book and pre-pay for parking slots before reaching their destinations. The in-car feature is available in three cities – NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore and will expand to nine cities in near future. As an inaugural offer, the customers will get unlimited free parking for three months followed by additional six months for Rs 1,199.

A tie-up with KoineArth will create what MG Motor India says is the first-of-its-kind vehicle digital passport secured by blockchain. KoineArth ensures data privacy and facilitates customers sharing their digital passports with third parties like insurance partners or used car portals. This could benefit customers in getting higher resale value and a better insurance premium based on their driving behaviour and service adherence. As an inaugural offer, the digital passport will be available for Rs 1,000 for the first year.

Rajeev Chaba, president and MD, MG Motor India said, “Staying ahead of the innovation curve in the automobile industry in India, MG continues to introduce industry-first features in the auto-tech segment with Car-as-a-Platform. We announced the CAAP vision in August and now we are incorporating the subscription-based model in Astor. Our constant endeavour is to evolve CAAP for providing innovative services in line with fast-changing requirements of new-age consumers by collaborating with more ecosystem partners.”

The carmaker says it partnerships will continue to be hosted at the i-Smart Hub as it will add more services to its subscription model in the future to create a more personalised, safer, and smarter driving experience.