Connectivity is the factor that will create the most added value for the motorhome industry in the coming years – that was the conclusion that Hymer GmbH & Co. KG came to in 2017 in its “Connected Mobile Home” study. The prediction of the market survey carried out in collaboration with Prof. Stefan Bratzel and the Center of Automotive Management was that connected (mobility) services would become more and more important. As the basis for a comprehensive customer experience, in future, these smart solutions will become key to the success of the caravanning industry.
Based on the findings of the study and an extensive survey, which confirmed that customers were interested in an interface of this nature, the company from Upper Swabia developed a market-ready connectivity solution for the motorhome of today and tomorrow within three years – the Hymer Connect App. As a result of this, Hymer GmbH & Co. KG is combining many of the vehicle’s components in a single, smart ecosystem and enabling them to be controlled with ease using a smartphone. Thanks to its long-standing strategic partnership with Mercedes-Benz, the Hymer Connect App has one another advantage: Hymer is the first ever manufacturer that’s been allowed to access the vehicle information for the Sprinter chassis cowl, such as the mileage or service intervals, using an app.
Convenient, intuitive and from any location: smart control with the Hymer Connect App
On your way back from the nearest town, you can switch on the heating or air conditioning, extend the satellite system, or turn on the lights, before even stepping foot in the vehicle: using the Hymer Connect App, the perfect ambience can be created on board in just a few clicks – and from any location. That is because in addition to being able to communicate via Bluetooth when close to the vehicle, the systems can also be controlled remotely using mobile communications in 30 European countries. The buttons and control panels for the vehicle components have been combined in one handy app. However, for anyone who could not live without them, they are still available as manual solutions.
The app is pre-programmed with scenarios for regularly recurring processes and procedures. This includes a Good Morning and Good Night scenario, for example, which automatically adjusts the temperature and lighting conditions inside the vehicle, controls the hot water boiler, and retracts or extends the satellite system accordingly. There are also corresponding scenarios for when you leave your home or first arrive at a campsite. These can be tailored to your individual requirements, and you can even add your own scenarios. Lighting is particularly important in this regard, as the controls have their very own section within the smart ecosystem’s range of features – the brightness and colour temperature of the four-level ambient lighting can be individually controlled using the Hymer Connect App, for example. The lighting conditions outside the vehicle during the course of the day can also be taken into consideration to have the perfect impact on your biorhythm: in the form of a stimulating light when the sun is at its peak at midday, for example, or a soothing, fireside light in the evenings. The lighting concept also has a significant impact on how you perceive the space, and makes the interior feel more spacious and generous than ever before.
Helpful features for extra comfort and security
The checklists that help with activities that are performed for the first time or only rarely are particularly helpful for novice campers and provide step-by-step guides through the individual actions. The Hymer Connect App can also be depended on where security is concerned, as it sends push notifications about the status of the central locking system, for example, or alerts you if the refrigerator hasn’t been closed properly. Standard information is also available, such as when the fresh water level is low or the battery level is critical. What’s more, the Hymer Service Hotline can also be conveniently contacted from the app.
Ready for motorhoming of the future and open to additions
Smart living room controls and comprehensive vehicle information all at a glance – in future, these features will be exclusively available for the Hymer B-Class MasterLine, and will come as standard from the 2022 model year onwards. From February 2021 onwards, it will be possible to retrofit selected MasterLine models from the 2020 model year onwards with the hardware and software. From this date onwards, the Hymer Connect App will also be ready to download free of charge in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
However, this range of features is just the beginning for the Hymer Connect App. In future, retrofitting and integrating components that have been certified by Hymer Original Parts will be child’s play. Location-based services will also be gradually added to the app, including the display and depiction of points of interest or service partners and dealers nearby. There are also plans for enhanced camping services to be added, including the ability to conveniently book a pitch or rent a leisure vehicle, for example.
