Hosting the media to an exclusive drive, intimate interview and high tea, Audi made sure the arrival of these two SUVs was somewhat clear yet subtle, much like the updates made to the cars.

Boasting improved aerodynamics, higher charging performance, and expanded battery capacity, the key takeaway points – for those of you who are impatient – are that the range for both cars has been increased; up to 582 km in the SUV and up to 600 km in the Sportback.

Visually, the front now has a sharper, more distinctive grille design with black surrounds and the addition of illumination, which is more visible in low-light conditions.

The Q8 e-tron also introduces a new corporate identity with a two-dimensional design of the four rings. The model name in Audi lettering on the B-pillar is also new.

You might notice that the naming has also now been tweaked with the addition of the ‘Q8’ model before the ‘e-tron’. Markus Schuster, MD of Audi Singapore, also added that moving forward, all Audi EV models will be given even-numbered names.

Speaking to the media, he added that Singapore would soon see a range of Audi e-trons, like the Q4 e-tron, for example, that will make owning an Audi EV more accessible.

“From 2026, all new model introductions will be EVs, that’s a very clear commitment that Audi has, and that’s a good thing because for us in the market, there is a clear strategy, and we know where Audi is going,” he added.

The new launched Q8 e-tron will be available in eleven colours, including the new Soneira Red Metallic, solid Magnet Gray, Madeira Brown Metallic and Ultra Blue Metallic, which is exclusively available for the S line variant.

Five new wheel designs are available for the Q8 e-tron. As standard, 20 inches wheels are fitted on the Q8 e-tron 50 variants and 21 inches wheels on the Q8 e-tron 55 variants.

Two versions with electric all-wheel drive will be offered in Singapore for each of the two body styles: Both motors in the base models of the Audi Q8 50 e-tron (Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km: 19.0; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 76) and Audi Q8 Sportback 50 e-tron have an output of 250 kW in boost mode with 664 Nm of torque and a range of up to 491 km (SUV) and 505 km (Sportback).

Both motors in the Audi Q8 55 e-tron (Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km: 19.5; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 78) and the Audi Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron have an output of 300 kW in boost mode with 664 Nm of torque.

Photo Credits: Joel Tam (@joel_tam)

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

AutoApp has always been an ambitious project, with the main challenge of providing quality service whilst making it convenient and as fuss-free as possible for busy owners who are looking to service their vehicles but simply do not have the time.

Two years on, AutoApp has surpassed over a thousand registered users and is continuously expanding to offer more automotive services for both you and your vehicle.

How it started

The idea of AutoApp came to be when one of its founders, Sheldon Trollope, felt frustrated when he had to spend precious time waiting in line for his vehicle’s road tax renewal inspection. Time which could have been better spent pursuing other endeavours, while someone else handles this mundane vehicular chore for him. 

“Joel (Tam) and I commiserated about this one day and he also noted that when it comes to car advice, we were the go-to guys in our respective circles. So we decided there and then, that we could turn our expertise into a business and that’s how AutoApp was born.” 

To get the service off the ground, the pair roped in co-founder Alvin Tan, who had more than a decade of operational experience in the car after-sales industry. As a team, they had the perfect combination of skill sets to launch AutoApp. 

How has it grown thus far

What started out as after-office-hours meetings and scribbles on pizza boxes has now grown into a full-fledged mobile application, with over a thousand registered users in two years. To date, the AutoApp Singapore team has serviced more than 250 vehicles and received the satisfaction of more than 200 happy customers. The app has also received glowing reviews consistently, a testament to something that the team is doing right. 

“By the time we celebrated our second anniversary in August, we’ve garnered a database of over 1,500 car owners and served close to 600 jobs. Our 100 percent 5-star rating across Google, Facebook, and our app speaks volumes about our customer service levels. I’m also proud to share that the metric that keeps our team going strong is the increasing repeat-customer rate which is climbing every week, despite us acquiring new customers at an equally encouraging pace.” added Joel Tam.

This growth has been incredible to the team, and now we have set new goals on taking this service overseas too, starting a brand new chapter in AutoApp’s history books!

Thank you for the support you’ve given to us

From the team here at AutoApp, we want to thank each and every cars-tomers (as we affectionately call them) and all our partners for supporting and putting their trust in us.

Aside from the convenience we bring, we continue to prioritise the roadworthiness of every car we serve, and we strive to continue serving you and your vehicle with the utmost highest quality service.

If you like to learn more about AutoApp and its services, check out our website or download the app today!

There’s a time-honoured tradition where sending a car for servicing usually comes with three choices. One, waiting at the service lounge for hours on end and helping yourself to free coffee. Two, heading to a nearby coffee shop for a better quality brew and breakfast. Or three, hailing a ride back home and then doing the reverse journey when your car is ready.

Besides all these options being a huge time-suck, the first two aren’t even possible during Phase 2 Heightened Alert. Neither is the free 3-in-1 Nescafe in the workshop waiting area. Furthermore, why risk exposure with the third option in a time when COVID-19 community cases are still being reported daily?

Just like food deliveries today, car servicing and maintenance can also be arranged from your smartphone thanks to AutoApp. Just download the app, book a service, and a professionally-trained Service Ambassador sends your car to the workshop. All comprehensively insured for peace of mind.

Customers are assured of a worry-free experience as their cars are covered by AutoApp’s comprehensive motor trade insurance. Should an unforeseen incident occur enroute to and fro, the customer’s insurance will not be affected in any way.

This week, SPC SpeedyCare is the latest network of service centres to collaborate with AutoApp. Customers can now be serviced at any of the 11 service centres located at SPC stations across Singapore.

With SpeedyCare, the SPC Synace range of engine oils are used. These advanced synthetic lubricants are certified by OEM manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Renault, Volkswagen and Volvo among others.

Ever since the start of the pandemic, AutoApp has implemented its own strict set of protocols. Service ambassadors wear masks and gloves at all times when driving, and also install seat covers. Additional on-site interior sanitisation services are also available prior to the returning the car.

Promotional offer

To commemorate the launch of the AutoApp x SPC SpeedyCare collaboration, customers can experience the ultimate convenience of AutoApp’s signature Pick-up and Delivery service for just $50 (U.P $68) when they send their cars to a SpeedyCare Auto Service Centre. Additionally, these customers will also each receive a $10 SPC fuel voucher.

Download AutoApp here: http://onelink.to/autoapp

We couldn’t resist a little April Fools’ prank last week and ran the story below about AutoApp joining the hugely competitive food delivery segment. Coincidentally, we left a little Easter Egg for those to discover within our app last weekend that revealed the practical joke.

Nonetheless, there were still a few of our friends who wanted to believe that AutoEats was a real thing. They were hoping that we could shake up the food delivery business the way AutoApp has changed the car aftersales industry with our unique combination of convenience, value and concierge level service.

The majority of customers however, saw right through the gag and had a good laugh with us, commenting on social media saying: “For a moment, you had me there. Nice try!”

Perhaps, there was another group of customers who were even more disappointed to learn that the Car Wash Hunks service was also a ruse.

Every April Fool’s car manufacturers also get in on some good-natured ribbing. Here is a round-up of this year’s efforts.

AutoApp food delivery service launched

The best car servicing concierge in Singapore throws its hat into the food delivery segment. AutoEats will be available from today and targets hungry car owners waiting for their cars to be serviced.

SINGAPORE – The food local delivery market is set to get more interesting with AutoApp entering the fray. Starting today, the homegrown tech startup launches AutoEats, as a compliment to its car aftersales concierge app, launched last August.

“AutoEats is a natural extension of our service,” says Joel Tam, Chief Executive Officer of Ignition Labs, the company behind AutoApp. “Our app has been a hit with customers who are too busy or are simply not inclined to take their cars to a workshop or inspection centre.”

Over the past seven months, one common problem Ignition Labs identified was that its customers eventually got hungry while waiting for their cars to be serviced and returned to their doorstep. “With AutoEats, we anticipate this need and deliver a food platter when our Service Advisor picks up their car,” said Mr Tam while reaching out for a nearby cheese platter in his office.

“Convenience is the driving motivator behind everything we do at AutoApp,” Mr Tam explained. “So if there is anything we can do to make our customers’ lives easier, we might consider it.” Laundry service, pet grooming and baby-sitting services are just some of the other potential additions mooted for the next few months.

One service that some of AutoApp’s female customers have requested for – Car Wash Hunks where shirtless AutoApp Service Ambassadors show up to wash their cars to the musical accompaniment of 70s disco hits such as Hot Stuff by Donna Summer and You Sexy Thing by Hot Chocolate. Mr Tam said that his management might consider it if he receives 10,000 app downloads by the close of April 1 2021.

To book an AutoEats food platter, customers will need to download the AutoApp app.

AutoApp brings yet another level of convenience to its customers. This time, it comes in the form of a virtual tyre dealership. The Bridgestone concierge tyre E-tailer is the result of a collaboration between Bridgestone Tyre Singapore and AutoApp.

“AutoApp is proud to be part of this innovative collaboration with Bridgestone,” said Joel Tam, Chief Executive Officer of Ignition Labs, the company behind AutoApp. “As an online dealer, we offer customers value-for-money pricing and exclusive convenience services such as home or office pick- up and return assistance, performed by our Service Ambassadors who are professionally- trained and comprehensively insured.”

Buying tyres online may not be new. AutoApp however, goes a step further by saving the customer the trouble of driving to the tyre shop. AutoApp’s signature Collection & Delivery (C&D) takes care of this chore with insurance coverage for the car owner’s peace of mind. Should there be an unforeseen accident, the customer’s car insurance policy will not be affected.

How it works

From the AutoApp virtual tyre store, customers only need to fill up a simple survey, which will help find a suitable Bridgestone tyre for their car. Then, they set an appointment date and time for their car to be picked up by an AutoApp Service Ambassador.

Before the the pick up, the customer will be contacted by AutoApp, where a quotation will be advised along with more information about the tyres recommended for their car.

Once agreed, the tyre replacement is booked and paid for through the smartphone app. While the owner relaxes at home or anywhere they choose, AutoApp takes care of everything needed to have a fresh set of rubber fitted to their car.

Free Collection & Delivery for first-time users

If you are new to AutoApp, you’re in luck. First time customers will be entitled to a free C&D worth $68. This includes purchasing tyres from the AutoApp Bridgestone concierge tyre E-tailer.

The price of the Bridgestone tyres quoted includes wheel balancing and installation.

With the year-end rainy season upon us, a new set of tyres may be exactly what we need to stay safe on the roads.

Get your new set of Bridgestone tyres here!

SINGAPORE – One of the most common reasons local drivers cite for their reluctance in making the switch to Electric Vehicles (EVs) is the sentiment that there still are not enough charging points available. The other reason cited is that the time needed to charge is still much longer than it takes to refuel a conventional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) car.

To address both points, AutoApp, a tech-enabled car servicing app is working with SP Group to bring doorstep EV charging convenience to customers. Using the AutoApp SG smartphone app, customers simply select, “EV Charging Concierge, SP Group Charging Network”, choose a preferred appointment time and an AutoApp Service Ambassador will show up to take your car to the nearest SP Group charging station.

For a limited time, AutoApp will be charging an introductory all-inclusive rate of just $38 before GST (U.P. $68) for its EV charging service. Included in this price is the cost of charging as well as doorstep pick up and return service with insurance coverage for up to SGD 300,000.

“Given that most EV owners pay between $20 to $30 for charging, the premium for convenience and peace of mind that their cars are driven by professionally-trained Service Ambassadors and protected by insurance coverage that doesn’t affect their NCD, represents very good value,” said Sheldon Trollope, spokesperson for AutoApp.

“We are glad to work with a major provider such as SP Group to introduce an entirely new service that hopefully makes EV adoption a more viable proposition,” Mr. Trollope added. “SP Group is the best provider to partner with as it has the largest fast charging network in Singapore.”

An EV can be charged in 30 minutes using SP Group’s network (depending on the battery size and state of charge). Factor in the time taken to search for an available charging point and it becomes easy to see why AutoApp’s service makes sense to those who value their time.

In addition to offering the convenience of charging without customers even needing to leave their homes, the service also makes EV adoption more viable for those living or working in locations where charging points are not available. Condominium and HDB home owners for example, can enjoy the benefits that come with EV ownership; zero tailpipe emissions, reduced noise pollution and lower operating costs to name a few.

While the EVs are being charged, the AutoApp Service Ambassadors will also check the pressures and condition of the tyres, fluid levels and other routine maintenance checks to ensure that the car is in tip-top condition. Any defects or issues identified will be reported to the owner and an appointment can be made for workshop repairs.     

Download AutoApp at these app stores now:

Let AutoApp arrange this service for you. Click here to make an online booking, or download the app below.

By now, you may have read about AutoApp in The Straits Times or The Business Times. Or maybe even heard it on the radio.

After months of teasing with articles and sneak peeks, the app by Singaporean tech start-up Ignition Labs is finally available to download. In a nutshell, AutoApp is the most convenient car care solution ever.

As a one-stop app, AutoApp seeks to improve your car ownership experience forever in three simple ways:

No more waiting

Gone are the days when you had to take leave or time off just to drive your car to the workshop for servicing or repairs. Or worse yet, spend a precious Saturday morning at a workshop waiting room, sitting on a dirty old sofa, sometimes patched up with duct tape, surrounded by outdated magazines and newspapers. Yuck!

These days, the threat of COVID-19 adds another unappealing layer to hanging out at a workshop for any given amount of time. Even the best sanitisers and face masks in the world are no match for the comfort and safety of your home.

With AutoApp, you simply book a service through the app and a Service Ambassador shows up at the arranged time to whisk your car away to the service centre, get the necessary work done, then returns the car to you.

We’ve even have contactless handover-takeover protocols in place to give our customers added peace of mind.

AutoApp Service Ambassadors are fully-insured, trained and experienced service advisors with clean driving records. They’ve been vetted through a comprehensive recruitment process and wear their uniform with pride. We know how difficult it can be to find a mechanic you can trust. Our Service Ambassadors are there to be that trusted friend.

All the while, you are updated on the status of your car and are in control of the costs and quotations for the work needed. You even pay for the repairs and services through the app.

No more searching

The internet is an infinite source of information, which can often also be a problem. Many car owners, especially first-timers, can be overwhelmed by the sheer multitude of advice and solutions their search engines might throw at them. At times, the answers can even be contradictory and sources, questionable.

We’ve all been confused at some point and wished that a car-expert friend with the right contacts could sort out what needs to be done.

Well, that’s exactly what AutoApp is here for. We work with a network of workshops that specialise in various types of repairs and services. We even have workshops that specialise in Japanese, Korean or Continental cars. Yet, they all have one thing in common. They’re all about the highest standards of service possible. Or else, they won’t be selected to be in our “service ecosystem”.

No more wasted weekends

With AutoApp, the time it takes for works to be done is yours to do what you will; eat, pray, love, or whatever is more important to you than running a car maintenance errand.

Better yet, use AutoApp to service your car on weekdays, while you’re at work so that you can enjoy that weekend drive!

Download AutoApp at these app stores now:

With just days away launching AutoApp, Money FM has an exclusive interview with Sheldon Trollope. The co-founder explains how the idea of the app came about. He also reveals who the app is intended for and other details.

SINGAPORE – As AutoApp edges towards going live on app stores everywhere. The buzz around social and mainstream media has been building.

Be the first to know about the latest developments about AutoApp and when it goes live by registering your interest on our Trailblazers Page.

SINGAPORE – With just weeks to go before AutoApp goes live, the team at Ignition Labs, the company behind AutoApp has been testing the app and going through operational simulations before making it available to the public.

“There’s a saying in Silicon Valley: ‘First is better than perfect,’” said Sheldon Trollope, the Communications and Product Officer for AutoApp on the tech industry’s tendency to rush under-developed products to market only to fix them later through firmware updates. “For AutoApp, a good consumer experience is paramount so we decided to hold back for a few more weeks for an additional round of testing.”

Be a trailblazer, be the first to know

Would you like to be the first to know when AutoApp is available for download and try it out? Simply click on this link and fill in your contact details.

A Singapore start-up has devised an app-based concierge service which gets your car serviced without you having to leave your seat.

AutoApp will go “live” in three weeks, with vehicle pickup and drop-off services starting from $68. Customers merely select what they want – from vehicle inspection and tyre/battery replacement to an oil change and a regular servicing pack- age – and key in time and place of pickup.

While such a service is pertinent in a time of pandemic, the idea came to AutoApp founders over a year ago.

Mr Sheldon Trollope, spokesman for Ignition Labs, the company behind AutoApp, says its proposition is convenience and time-savings.

“Customers get to reclaim the time they would otherwise take if they were to send the car in themselves,” he says. “Our studies in these activities have shown that a standard car servicing takes no less than four hours if you factor in the door-to-door time taken to carry out the task.”

Mr Trollope notes that the service is “more than a car valet driven by gig economy jockeys”. Instead, AutoApp makes use of former workshop service advisers who are able to communicate technical issues which often elude the layman.

“In driving the car over to the workshops, our service ambassadors are also able to identify and relay their findings to the mechanics at the workshops,” he says, adding that the service helps with social distancing and minimising risks of infection as customers need not leave home to get their cars serviced.

“AutoApp’s proposition is convenience and time-savings… customers get to reclaim the time they would otherwise take if they were to send the car in themselves.”

While such a concierge service is available to many luxury car owners, AutoApp makes it accessible to mass-market consumers.

To sweeten the deals for these customers, AutoApp will waive the pickup/drop-off fee if workshop charges come up to $500 or more.

Mr Trollope says the service is fully insured. Should there be an accident en route, AutoApp undertakes insurance claims and repair costs. “The customer’s car insurance is not affected in any way,” he says.

AutoApp will also ensure that work is carried out properly at its network of member workshops. It currently has 15, including Auto Dynamac (general servicing), Juzz Per- formance (which specialises in BMW cars) and body-and-paint shop Lian Heng.

“If there are any issues, we will be responsible for rectifying the fault,” Mr Trollope says. “We also have credit terms with the workshops. If a job is not done right, we will withold payment until the matter is resolved. To this end, we also have an internal satisfaction audit process where workshops with a better customer rating will be assigned more jobs in the future.”

This assurance, however, is not extended to customers who prefer to have their vehicles serviced by workshops outside of AutoApp’s network.

Mr Trollope would not reveal how much has been invested in the venture, but indicated that “it runs into seven figures”.

“We have to design four apps – a customer app for Apple and Android platforms, a service ambassador app on iPad and an app for the workshops,” he says.

“Then there’s a command centre app to coordinate things and for us to override if necessary. Then, all these apps have to talk to each other.”

The start-up cost also includes office rent and staff salaries.

Mr Trollope reveals that AutoApp may tie-up with car rental/sharing firms “so that we can deliver a temporary car when we pick up the customer’s car” so that his “mobility is not compromised”.

Reproduced with permission.