Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has introduced a major update to its award-winning California Mobile App, giving owners even more tools to plan, manage and enjoy their camping adventures across the UK and Europe.
Timed perfectly for the 2026 summer holiday season, the refreshed app features a completely redesigned interface alongside powerful new functions, making it easier than ever for California owners to discover campsites, organise trips and remotely manage key vehicle functions.
Smarter Camping Spot Search
Finding the ideal campsite has become significantly easier thanks to enhanced search capabilities and advanced filtering options.
Drivers can now browse more than 45,000 camping locations throughout the British Isles, with the ability to bookmark favourite destinations for future adventures and quickly share exact locations with friends and family.
One of the standout additions is the integration of what3words, providing pinpoint navigation to virtually any location in the world. Every three-metre square is assigned a unique three-word address, making remote campsites easier to find while also providing an invaluable safety feature should emergency services ever need an exact location.
Travel Hub Makes Planning Simple
The newly introduced Travel Hub helps owners organise upcoming holidays by storing trip dates, images and countdown timers in one convenient place.
The feature also highlights nearby scenic attractions and places of interest, helping travellers discover hidden gems they may otherwise have missed during their journey.
Greater Remote Control From Your Smartphone
The redesigned interface also improves vehicle monitoring and remote functionality.
Owners can now remotely check:
- Fresh water levels
- Interior cabin temperature
- Auxiliary battery charge status
These real-time updates help ensure the California is fully prepared before setting off.
In addition, selected California models now allow users to remotely:
- Raise or lower the hydraulic-electric pop-up roof
- Control the onboard cool box temperature directly from their smartphone
These enhanced controls make campsite setup quicker and more convenient while improving overall comfort throughout every trip.
Volkswagen Focuses On The Complete Ownership Experience
Lisa Beaton, Digital Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said:
“As holiday season hits, it’s important Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles continues to provide service to our customers that goes above and beyond. Alongside the vehicles, a world-class ecosystem of apps and software can make planning and enjoying trips as simple and fun as possible. The latest updates to the California app do just that, helping users make the most of their vehicle.”
The updated California App is available now via both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Drivers wanting to learn more about the Volkswagen California campervan range can visit the official Volkswagen California page.
Motoring Echo Top Tips: Get The Most From Your California Adventure
Before setting off on your next camping holiday, follow these practical tips to make the journey smoother and more enjoyable:
✔ Download Maps Before You Travel
Mobile coverage can be limited in rural areas, so download maps and key route information before leaving home.
✔ Save Favourite Campsites
Use the app’s bookmarking feature to create a shortlist of trusted campsites for future holidays.
✔ Use what3words For Remote Locations
When exploring countryside or coastal areas, save your campsite’s what3words address. It provides an accurate location for navigation and can prove invaluable in an emergency.
✔ Check Vehicle Systems Before Departure
Use the app to confirm fresh water levels, battery charge and cabin settings before leaving, helping to avoid unnecessary delays.
✔ Pre-Cool The Fridge
If your California is equipped with the remotely controlled cool box, chill it before loading food and drinks to maximise efficiency.
✔ Keep Your Battery Healthy
Regularly monitor the auxiliary battery during longer stays to ensure sufficient power for lighting, appliances and overnight comfort.
Motoring Echo Verdict: The latest California Mobile App update transforms the ownership experience beyond the vehicle itself. By combining intelligent campsite discovery, precise navigation, improved trip planning and expanded remote vehicle controls, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles continues to demonstrate why the California remains one of the UK’s most desirable campervan ranges.
