Audio/ Video/ Navigation / Electronics DiscussionDiscuss the Nitro A/V and navigation system here, along with other items such as custom installations, alarms, radar detectors, etc.
Chrysler the third-largest U.S. automaker, says it will be the first car company to provide in-car Internet access.
The feature will be added to existing vehicles by dealers beginning this year and later be installed on the assembly line, said Frank Klegon, Chrysler's product development chief.
The technology will allow passengers to search Web pages using signals from mobile phone towers. Consumers initially would need a subscription to a wireless phone carrier to ensure uninterrupted coverage.
"We want to make the radio itself a WiFi port," Klegon said
Working and thinking like a small company is how Chrysler hopes to weather the current economic storm. We told you just last week about Chrysler’s plan to implement new technologies and product updates on-demand rather than waiting for product refresh cycles, and now it looks like one of the first implementations of the fast-moving method with be the addition of in-car web access to its lineup.
Initially the user will need a wireless phone subscription to access the Internet, because the system relies on the signal from cellular towers. The company hopes to provide full coverage without a separate mobile phone line in future, however.
Chrysler hopes to be the first maker to sell vehicles equipped with on-the-go access. BMW announced its own in-car Internet access plan in late February this year, but will only be rolling web-enabled cars off its assembly line at the end of 2008, and even then only in Europe. Rather than wait for its factories to gear up for the production, Chrysler will be sending the units straight to the dealers to be installed. Once the factory installation is ramped up, they will take over for the dealers, according to the Washington Post.
The move is not just focused on bringing extra features to Chrysler cars, but also to Chrysler dealerships. Robert Nardelli, Chrysler CEO, said “We’re aggressively moving to capture more of the customer service and parts business by focusing on what dealers need to increase their profitability.”
Chrysler will source the parts using its Mopar division, which it had previously considered selling, but is now increasingly relying on as part of its dealership profitability plan.
NOW you can drive and surf at the same time. Chrysler is in the final stages of developing an advanced in-car Wi-Fi system that turns your vehicle into an Internet hot-spot. It will let passengers browse the Web, check E-mails and download movies and music – all from your car.
Chrysler’s cutting-edge mobile technology will use 4G connectivity for high-speed data transfer and wireless Web access. Owners will enjoy enhanced sat-nav features, such as real-time traffic updates, remote vehicle health checks performed automatically and even downloadable upgrades to the ECU and other systems.
However, it’s not all plain surfing. Drivers will have to pay a monthly subscription, and any Internet will only be allowed at speeds below 3mph!
Rickaren, the link to the Washington Post brings up the current day's page. To read the article you need to search "in-car internet".
As for the 3 mph lockout, I'm sure enthusiasts out there will come up with a bypass hack, the same way we've been able to hack the Navteq system I have on my Chrysler 300C, that would not let you enter a destination if you were traveling over 10 mph. That owner modification works fine!
Article on internet below:
Chrysler, the third-largest U.S. automaker, says it will be the first car company to provide in-car Internet access.
The feature will be added to existing vehicles by dealers beginning this year and later be installed on the assembly line, said Frank Klegon, Chrysler's product development chief.
The technology will allow passengers to search Web pages using signals from mobile phone towers. Consumers initially would need a subscription to a wireless phone carrier to ensure uninterrupted coverage.
"We want to make the radio itself a WiFi port," Klegon said.
The announcement came the same day that chief executive Robert Nardelli said Chrysler planned to expand sales in its Mopar parts division by targeting owners who want to customize their vehicles.
Chrysler will initiate the effort by offering an off-road navigation system, chrome grille, heavy-duty bumper and a special sound system for its Jeep Wrangler, Nardelli said at the New York International Auto Show.
The emphasis on Mopar, which provides dealers with replacement and accessory parts, is a turnabout for Chrysler after it considered selling the unit last year.
"We're aggressively moving to capture more of the customer service and parts business by focusing on what dealers need to increase their profitability," Nardelli said.
We are expecting delivery on the '08 Nitro R/T sometime late May.
Rickaren, the link to the Washington Post brings up the current day's page. To read the article you need to search "in-car internet".
Thanks LeeSoFL for your comments but as you can see I post a lot of "News" articles and that one was posted over two weeks ago so the Link is not current, now.
Hope you enjoy your new R/T as much as I do mine and please check back and comment anytime you want. Enjoy!
I do have a question (possibly unrelated to this particular thread), do the controls on the steering wheel operate volume up and down? I dont see the + and - arrows.
Do you know anyone who has the Sirius Traffic service? We get a 12 month trial subscription to that along with satellite radio, and it's the first I'm hearing about this feature.
I do have a question (possibly unrelated to this particular thread), do the controls on the steering wheel operate volume up and down? I don't see the + and - arrows.
Do you know anyone who has the Sirius Traffic service? We get a 12 month trial subscription to that along with satellite radio, and it's the first I'm hearing about this feature.
Keep in mind that there are buttons on the back side of the wheel too! Yes you can control the radio volume.
I would check the Sirius Web Site and your account when you establish it. Yes it is available for several cities and they offer a discount since there is a monthly charge, but I did not take them up on their offer but do have their service on two cars and have DISH satellite service in the house and do listen to it in the house as part of that service package (music only) free of charge.
You may have several questions about your Nitro that are not covered in their poorly written Owner's Manual. Check in here to find your answer, or just ask! Most of the time you will find that your new Nitro has several neat features or options that are not shown or covered in the Manual.
Again Good Luck and let us know when you take delivery.
AutoForums.com is the premier network of enthusiast-owned
enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
We operate more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share
experiences and opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
