CHARLESTON, SC--(Marketwired - Jul 15, 2015) - Zubie, a leader in connected-car services for enterprises, small business and consumers, has created an open API platform called ZinC (Zubie for the Internet of Cars). The API enables developers and engineers to build innovative third-party apps and service integrations on top of Zubie's existing connected-car platform, extending the value of connected-car data into the broader Internet of Cars ecosystem.

The Zubie API provides partners and developers secure and managed access to vehicle diagnostics, location, trip activity and driving data from Zubie's fully certified and hardened platform. Consumers, small businesses, wireless carriers, insurance and automotive businesses in the U.S. and Germany can use this real-time information to enhance their experience or services. Developers can also benefit from proprietary analytical models that are derived from Zubie's existing global base of connected-cars that have tracked hundreds of millions of driving miles.

By providing controlled and secure access to real-time vehicle health, performance and safety data, ZinC can be used to:

• Build Apps - for fuel economy, driving improvement, trip sharing, parking, smart/connected home functionality and numerous other ways to enhance a connected life.
• Develop Business-focused Apps & Integrations - to simplify fleet management, integrate with expense and billing platforms, power car-sharing services and aid vertical-specific needs. For instance, a food truck can leverage Zubie to automatically publicize its location while on the go or to connect with its followers.
• Create Pattern-based Analytical Modules - for specific use cases, such as predictive vehicle repair costs and driving patterns.

"The Internet of Cars industry is growing, but there is still much more to be tapped. ZinC opens a door for new players to enter and create applications that help small businesses and consumers, ultimately moving the market opportunity forward," said Tim Kelly, CEO of Zubie. "There is an immense amount of interest from developers to create ZinC, and we look forward to seeing what they do with this technology."

Hundreds of developers and partners, including Openbay and Urgent.ly, have already registered for the ZinC platform in its beta release, which launched in November 2014.

"Zubie's ZinC platform is well positioned to provide a host of services to consumers to offer convenience and value," said Rob Infantino, CEO and founder of Openbay, the online marketplace for automotive repair and maintenance services. "Openbay's nationwide network of automotive service providers will provide Zubie users the ability to receive repair and maintenance quotes from local shops, book appointments, and pay through the Openbay platform."

Since its inception in 2012, Zubie has been at the forefront of the connected-car evolution. The company continues to extend its footprint through strategic partnerships and technology advancements. Recently, Zubie partnered with AutoNation, the U.S.' largest retailer of new passenger vehicles, to provide dealerships with real time insights about their customers' vehicles and increasing service visits.

In December, Zubie introduced its Perks platform offering drivers relevant savings on items such as insurance, automotive services or accessories through qualified third-party vendors such as CARCHEX, Sears and Goodyear. Today, developers can tap Zubie's technology to create new, state-of-the-art applications that will aid the expansion of the connected car and reinforce Zubie as a leader in the Internet of Cars.

About Zubie 
Zubie is a connected car service focused on making driving safer, easier and less expensive for consumers, small businesses and business verticals including automotive, insurance, and mobile/telecom operators. The company was formed in 2012, and is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. Zubie recently won the "2015 Best Insurance Telematics Product" award from TU Automotive.
http://zubie.com/insurance/

About Openbay
Openbay is an award-winning online marketplace helping consumers comparison shop for automotive repair and maintenance service saving upward of 50% by shops competing for their business. In 2015, Openbay announced OpenbayConnect, a first-of-its-kind car repair service to remotely determine the cause and cost of automotive repairs. Openbay is headquartered in Cambridge, MA, is privately held and its investors include Google Ventures, a16z seed, Boston Seed Capital, Stage 1 Ventures and several individual investors.