Android users will now be able to use their smartphones to lock, unlock, locate, and start select Lincoln vehicles thanks to a new partnership announced today between the Dearborn-based automaker and Google.
"Delivering unique experiences for the luxury client throughout ownership is fundamental to Lincoln," says Matt VanDyke, director of Global Lincoln. "By innovating with leading tech companies, we have an opportunity to personalize the ongoing interaction between the customer and the vehicle."
VanDyke says Lincoln is the first automotive brand to integrate within its own app Google Now, an intelligent personal assistant that offers help based on past and preferred Google searches as well as the user's calendar.
When connected via the embedded modem — available on the 2015 Lincoln MKC and MKZ and coming to the 2016 Lincoln MKX — the MyLincoln Mobile app gives owners the ability to start, lock, unlock, and locate their vehicle, as well as schedule remote starts.
Remote starts can be programmed for specific times and days of the week, VanDyke adds.
If the owner is a user of the Google Now service, and their calendar indicates a need to depart for an upcoming event or appointment, MyLincoln Mobile will send a notification suggesting a remote start.
If the remote start option is selected, the vehicle is then warmed up or cooled off during the remote start based on the in-vehicle temperature settings, Van Dyke says.
Both the MyLincoln Mobile connectivity and Google services are opt-in features. Notifications can be turned off, if desired.
