Škoda and Parkopedia Enhance In-Car Payment Services with New Notification Features

Škoda and Parkopedia have expanded their in-car payment services by introducing a new notification system that enhances the convenience of connected driving, according to FF News. Drivers will now receive helpful prompts when approaching locations that support in-car payments for parking and fueling. This enhancement builds on their existing collaboration, which already simplifies in-car transactions.

The newly introduced “nudging” functionality provides real-time notifications on the vehicle’s infotainment screen, alerting drivers about nearby locations where they can complete parking or fueling payments seamlessly. This system leverages Parkopedia’s comprehensive and precise parking data, ensuring accuracy in enabling smooth transactions.

The functionality will be available on fuel-powered Škoda models starting from Q2 2024, including popular models such as the Fabia, Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq, Octavia, Scala, and Superb. Additionally, notifications for parking payments will be integrated into the all-electric Škoda Elroq upon its release, with future Škoda EVs like the Enyaq receiving updates in 2025.

The service aims to reduce the stress and distractions associated with traditional payment methods, such as finding operational parking machines or dealing with card payment issues. Subtle prompts on the infotainment screen ensure that the driving experience remains smooth and safe.

In-car payments are becoming increasingly important for drivers. According to the Parkopedia Global Driver Survey, 59% of European drivers want the option to pay for parking via their in-car media systems. Parking has emerged as the most requested in-car payment feature, underscoring the frustration of outdated payment methods.

Markus Dohl, VP of Sales & Business Development Europe at Parkopedia, emphasized the benefits of the collaboration: “New cars are now packed with a host of useful features, so it can be difficult for drivers to find the connected services they want while focusing on driving. Our new feature developed with Škoda simplifies the payment process, intelligently informing drivers when convenient in-car payment services are available in their surrounding area or at their destination with onscreen notifications and prompts. This ensures that drivers can easily access Škoda’s valued connected services, bolstering its strong brand satisfaction and customer loyalty.”

Martin Handl, Škoda Technical Project Lead & Product Manager, added: “Škoda is proud to offer a range of user-friendly features that take the stress out of drivers’ everyday lives. Our latest feature with Parkopedia offers the same value, enabling drivers to get the most from their Škoda whenever they need to make vehicle-based purchases behind the wheel. From our driver feedback, we know that paying for parking and fuel can be a tedious and stressful task, which is why we’ve worked with Parkopedia to streamline this process with this innovative and valuable solution.”

This collaboration between Škoda and Parkopedia highlights the evolving landscape of automotive technology, where connected services are reshaping the driver experience. By reducing friction in everyday transactions, Škoda continues to strengthen its commitment to convenience, customer satisfaction, and brand loyalty.