GERMANY // An application called Dude, that developers claim helps improve your driving, has won an innovative competition by manufacturer Volkswagen. Described by its creators as "an adorable, little helper", Dude relays information by using five different symbols. The patch signals when you need to take the car to the repair shop or reset the repair-timer, dirt means you should activate the Wipers, zzz means you should take a driving break, sweat or a facial expression means you should drive slower, while emission clouds advise you to keep fuel consumption under a certain level. Developers say it informs the driver "about all the important information needed to improve your driving skills and to take care of you, your car and the environment". Volkswagen's App My Ride competition, which offered prizes including cash totaling around ?14,000 (Dh65,525) and an internship at Volkswagen Group Research, launched in May. It invited entrants to upload ideas for applications that could be used in future Volkswagen infotainment systems. A community of app developers and a panel of VW execs chose the winner.