The Automatic Obd2 Dongle, a popular device for accessing vehicle diagnostics and data, is no longer available. The company behind the adapter, Automatic, announced its closure in May 2020, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary reason. Both the physical dongle and its accompanying smartphone app have been discontinued.
Automatic’s OBD2 dongle plugged into a vehicle’s OBD-II port and communicated with a smartphone app via Bluetooth. This allowed users to track various data points, including real-time location, trip history, fuel consumption, and engine diagnostics. The company offered different generations of the dongle, with later models boasting an app store and more advanced features.
The decision to shut down stemmed from the pandemic’s significant impact on the automotive industry. Fewer car sales and reduced driving activity directly affected Automatic’s business model, making it unsustainable. This unfortunate situation highlights the broader economic consequences of the global crisis.
Automatic initially launched its first-generation OBD2 dongle, the Automatic Link, in 2013. This device offered basic trip and fuel tracking. A second-generation adapter followed, expanding capabilities and introducing an app store. However, even before the pandemic, Automatic faced criticism for discontinuing support for its earlier models, rendering them unusable.
The closure of Automatic and the discontinuation of its OBD2 dongle left a gap in the connected car market. While other companies offer similar products, Automatic’s demise underscores the challenges faced by businesses in a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive landscape. The company allowed users to access third-party apps until June 28th, 2020, and provided instructions to users with connected PayTollo accounts.
