Škoda drivers is Europe are finding it easier to find vacant parking spaces following a deal between the Czech car maker and parking service provider Parkopedia.

Drivers have been given access to real-time information on millions of parking spaces throughout Europe, which is displayed via the vehicle’s navigation system or the Škoda Connect App.

Finding a vacant parking space or the nearest multi-storey car park in a strange town can be a nerve-racking experience. Škoda drivers are already supported in their search for a parking space through the mobile online services of Škoda Connect.

Thanks to the Parkopedia partnership, the scope of the service has been expanded. Drivers now have access to information on millions of parking spaces throughout Europe.

Using the vehicle’s navigation system or the Connect app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, the cheapest and closest parking options are displayed at the respective location or a selected address. In addition to the fees, it also shows whether the parking spaces are actually vacant in real time, subject to availability.

The latest version of the app or the navigation system can also provide route guidance directly to the selected parking space.

“We are constantly expanding our Škoda Connect service offers with the aim of making remote vehicle access and communication more convenient for our customers,” said Jan Havlas, coordinator of connected car projects at Škoda Auto. “The partnership with Parkopedia is another important element of this. Parkopedia offers Škoda drivers the parking service and an integrative user experience via the Škoda Connect app and the vehicle’s infotainment display.”

Founded in 2007, UK firm Parkopedia provides detailed information on more than 70 million parking spaces in 15,000 cities and 89 countries worldwide. These include multi-storey car parks, and public and private parking facilities.