Audio CD to facilitate customer access

The customised audio CD, called a New Vehicle Promotional Audio Production (NVPAP), will serve as a quick reference and information guide for the vehicle owner. It will act as an interface between the customer, Volkswagen and its dealer network.

Bill Stephens, Volkswagen of South Africa Communications GM, says it is anticipated that the NVPAP will help eliminate faults caused by owner negligence and, ultimately, result in a significant decrease in after-sales warranty claims by Touareg owners.

The NVPAP was created by Eastern Cape based Advent Co-ordination and is believed to be the first of its kind to be developed for the automotive industry. It has been co-sponsored by BP.

Advent director Deon Blume explains the concept was developed after the incorrect operation of a colleague's vehicle resulted in the invalidation of the factory warranty. Blume says that, by his own admission, his colleague had failed to read the owner's manual. Advent then conducted market research in South Africa and Europe, and concluded that only 5% of all vehicle owners actually read their manual.

The NVPAP contains specific track selections, with important information about the new Touareg such as the running in process, service and warranty detail, fuel, tyre pressure, and other special features.

Advent operations director Victor Chivers says the NVPAP concept has been successfully introduced to a company in the US recently. “Advent has secured international copyright protection through the US Copyright Office in Washington DC,” he adds. The product will ultimately be introduced in other countries as well.