Chrysler Vehicles to Offer Wi-Fi

By KEVIN KINGSBURY
June 26, 2008 12:09 p.m.

Mopar, Chrysler LLC’s original parts manufacturer and distributor, announced that it will launch a wireless Internet system for Chrysler vehicles in the U.S., a first for the industry as auto makers try to distinguish themselves in a bruising sales market.

“Uconnect web” will be available starting in August as a dealer-installed accessory and will serve as a mobile hot spot with a 100-foot range. All passengers with Wi-Fi-enabled devices will be able to separately access the service, which will be available wherever cellular service is.

In recent years vehicles have become equipped with DVD players and GPS navigation systems.

Ford Motor Co.’s Focus has been a hot seller for that company. The small car is equipped with the sync communications product, which is made by Microsoft Corp. and allows consumers hands-free access to music and cellphone calls. In March, Ford said it would boost Focus production by about 30% this year in response to surging demand.

Uconnect web’s suggested price for the router is $449, with the monthly access fee being $29. The service is provided by Autonet Mobile, founded in 2005 and provider of the Avis Connect service, a Wi-Fi connection that plugs into a vehicle’s cigarette lighter or wall outlet.