Newsroom

Volkswagen has decided to run a competition to help innovate and develop its in-car infotainment systems.

The manufacturer has invited designers, programmers, developers and interested users to get involved in the competition, dubbed App My Ride, by developing applications for the system.

The best new applications will be developed by Volkswagen and the winning designers will be rewarded with special prizes.

With this contest, Volkswagen has claimed that it has become the first car manufacturer to use open innovation for the further development of its products.

"Our aim is to invite the international developer community to take part in designing a future system," said Prof Jurgen Leohold, head of the Volkswagen Group Research.

The world has gone app mad thanks to businesses like Apple and Volkswagen believes that user generated content is of central importance to the boom and are made available online by other users.

The company’s new infotainment system is being developed to incorporate Flash applications and it wants the innovation community to help it create as many quirky car-themed features as possible.

The competition launches on 3 May 2010 and there will be cash, non-cash and student prizes available.

The winner of the competition can also expect an exclusive trip to take part in an international vehicle presentation, which covers the costs of the flight and hotel.