Detroit (MI) – Chrysler is working on what the company calls “advanced in-vehicle wireless communications” that will be based on cellular, Wi-Fi and WiMax technologies.

Chrysler may have been a bit slow adopting electronic gadgets for its vehicles in the past few years, but the company plans to be on the forefront when the next wireless technology is rolled out.

"We recognize that customers are spending more and more time in their vehicles, and that the automobile is becoming much like an additional room in the home or office," said Frank Klegon, executive vice president for product development at Chrysler. "To address this evolving reality, Chrysler vehicles will soon boast an unprecedented level of vehicle connectivity, delivering a wide array of important communications features directly to our customers, in their vehicles." Chrysler believes that wireless connectivity will also increase the security of cars.

In fact, specifically the intent to integrate WiMax into cars comes very early, even before the technology has become generally available to business and home users.

So, what exactly is WiMax expected to bring to the driver and passengers of a car? Of course, general availability and a greater bandwidth than cellphone networks makes this technology an attractive tool to increase data communication: Chrysler envisions that future GPS systems will feature satellite imagery downloaded from the Internet as well as automatic wireless map updates, real time weather information. Downloads to in-car entertainment centers can also include service reminders, Internet search, e-mail access, and online shopping – which will include the availability of fee-based multimedia content. On the service side, an always-on broadband connection could be used to download software patches to virtually any electronic module in a car.   

"Chrysler's in-vehicle communications strategy will continue to focus on creating a safe-driving environment through practical innovations, while enabling customers to choose a variety of features they want," said Klegon.
"Chrysler's connectivity solutions will deliver simplicity, security, freedom and flexibility," the executive promised.

He said that Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles will be getting WiMax connectivity “over the next few years.”

WiMax services are expected to be rolled out in the U.S. this year.

Do we really need more distractions?

Jan 14, 2008 15:38     

We need fewer driver distractions, not more...
Jim L report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

I hope they have a good firewall

Jan 15, 2008 18:59     

"On the service side, an always-on broadband connection could be used to download software patches to virtually any electronic module in a car." A new breed of hacking? I dare some one in car equipped with this to cut me off. Bye bye ECU. Do they come with McAfee. Virus anyone?
N report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Better than HD, that's for sure.

Feb 10, 2008 20:49     

I welcome this, this of the 1000's of radio stations you'll be able to get, check out the headlines at a car stop, yeah, this is finally something I'm enthused about in a new car, especially in a 300C.
bobyoung report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0