Mopar, Chrysler LLC's original-equipment parts manufacturer and distributor, said Thursday it will launch in-vehicle wireless Internet connectivity for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge passengers in the U.S.
Dubbed Uconnect Web, the in-vehicle system is powered by Autonet Mobile and delivers continuous Internet connectivity to all vehicle passengers for entertainment and real-time information. The service will be available in August as a dealer-installed Mopar accessory.
"With Uconnect Web, all passengers in or near the vehicle are continuously connected to the Internet," said Rob Richard, director of Mopar Part Sales and Service Marketing. "They can make dinner reservations; check directions or weather; make online purchases; surf Facebook, MySpace, Disney or Webkinz; watch the latest YouTube videos; upload photos to a Flickr account -- all at the same time."
Turning Vehicles Into Hot Spots
Uconnect Web aims to transform the vehicle into a mobile hot spot, delivering unlimited and reliable Internet connectivity, Chrysler said. The hot-spot connection radius is approximately 100 feet -- making it convenient to access the Internet at a soccer field or family picnic.
"Uconnect Web goes beyond today's DVD and GPS solutions, letting passengers extend their Internet lifestyle to the car," said Sterling Pratz, CEO of San Francisco-based Autonet Mobile. "The Internet is the future of in-car entertainment."
The industry-first technology seeks to accomplish this by combining Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity. Wherever cellular service is available, Uconnect Web enables vehicle passengers to connect Wi-Fi devices like a laptop, iPhone, Sony PlayStation or PDA for Internet access.
A Growing Market
"After several years of moderate growth, consumer telematics solutions are expected to become very popular in the future as drivers start to appreciate the advantages of GPS and cellular communication technology for improved safety, comfort and entertainment," said ABI Research principal analyst Dominique Bonte. "According to our latest forecasts, by 2013 OEM and aftermarket consumer telematics hardware...

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