Opel Launches Astra iPhone Applications

We're not sure why, but it just seems that you don't deserve a place in the automotive industry if you don't develop your very own iPhone application that lets drivers do something "special". And when we're saying special, we're a little bit ironic, as some of those who're often referred to as carmakers launch what they consider to be an iPhone application that does absolutely nothing. And we're not the only ones saying it, but seriously now, what's the purpose of an app that just shows you a couple of ads with the car you're driving already...

Anyway, Opel promises to be a bit different and today rolled out a pack of iPhone applications supposed to help drivers, shoppers and music lovers (Opel's very own words). In other words, the so-called FlexApp helps you find parking spots, create shopping list, find the best shops around, set up memos and remember where you parked you car. Without paying too much attention to this latter feature, we'll let you discover the rest of the features by following this link.

A separate tool called Opel InnovationApp was specifically designed for Astra Sports Tourer and does nothing more than to browse among the car's features, getting information about innovations such as FlexRide and FlexFold.

Three other applications have also been created for Astra owners: YouStar to create your very own Opel Astra commercial with own pictures and headlines, YourBeat to customize audio streaming and YourCoup, a driving game obviously staring the new Astra.

“Innovation is in our genes. Our engineers recognized that iPhone users increasingly are demanding software to make their lives easier,” says Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales. “The Opel FlexApp offers a bundle of tools that can be personalized and used every day, both in and out of the car.”