Chrysler Brings Wi-Fi to Cars

You know how sometimes you don't feel like buying coffee just to get internet access? We've got good news: It looks like all you'll need to do is buy a car. Chrysler recently announced that it plans to be the first automaker to bring wireless internet to its vehicles.

The idea is to make every one of its vehicles a WiFi hub through a connection in the radio that relies on cell phone towers and a monthly subscription fee. Initially the feature will be added through a modification on this year's models, but Chrysler plans to add the installation to the assembly line process at a later date.

We imagine that at some point Chrysler's navigation system will also add an internet browser and other features to capitalize on the benefits of having internet access in your car. Until then, the greatest benefit we can think of is that Chrysler owners can now read KickingTires while driving.

Chrysler Cars With In-Car Internet and WiFi This Year; Road Safety Stats Set to Plummet (Gizmodo)

Comments

[Infosaur]

Sarcasm much?

[Yeah!!! Aww... Yeah!!!]

Chrysler and Starbuck now have two things in common: bad quality and Wi-Fi.

[Troy S.]

Cell phones, texting, SYNC and now wi fi. What's next? Microwaves?

[paul]

I actually like the idea. On long family trips, my wife could use her laptop for work. She always brings her laptop but wastes 8 hours on a drive to our destination

[George]

Paul,
A laptop aircard would provide your wife with internet access anywhere.

[DodgeFan]

I just think this article shows an increasing trend of add more digitality to cars. The company wins in that it might gets part of the subscription fees and braging rights that it has one digital feature the competition doesn't have. Give Chrylser credit for desperately trynig to difference themselves as quality equalizes. Remember you can also opt out after a free period if their is one. I think soon Chrysler will probably start its own OnStar like Ford is. GM already showed that is a money making.

[Ben S]

DodgeFan,
Onstar is not profitable. The majority of the revenue is supplied from GM itself in the form of transfer payments from the car marketing divisions who offer the service for free. When the service is not activated after the free period the revenue (subscription fees) never materialize. Ironically GM fails to mention that but if you dig hard enough you can find analyst reports covering it.

GM has been trying to unload OnStar for some time, however with an unprofitable model there are natually no takers. Given this I highly doubt Chrysler will venture into it as they simply do not have the means.

[J]

Great!
As if the cell phone is not distracting the drivers bad enough. Chrysler is coming out with another distraction called built-in Wi-Fi!

Distractions.... its not there fault people are easily distracted... I have a cell phone... keep it in my pocket while i drive... no distraction... Wi-Fi is not a distraction unless the driver lets it be. I see great use in this as long as it is cheaper than the cell providers