Chrysler, following BMW, brings the internet to cars

It was just a few weeks ago, we saw BMW announcing that they will be incorporating full internet services into their cars later this year. The only problem with BMW adding internet to their cars was that it was only available in Europe at that time, however, when Chrysler rolls out their cars with internet, it will be available in the States.

Basically, this works by the cars receiving the internet signals from cell phone towers, however, those who buy these internet equipped cars will need to (at least) “initially” also buy a subscription to a cell phone carrier so they will be able to receive complete coverage.

Frank Klegon, Chrysler’s product development chief, said that “we want to make the radio itself a Wi-Fi port.”

With little details being announced as of yet, it seems to be a system where customers will be able to ‘surf’ using either the cell coverage or Wi-Fi, assuming they were in an available hotspot. Chrysler plans to begin the offering with the Jeep Wrangler, which will also include a special off-road navigation system and sound system.

Since the Chrysler system seems like it will also use Wi-Fi as opposed just cell coverage it should offer faster service than what BMW has in the works. Hopefully Chrysler will start rolling out these cars in ’08 as planned, this way we can all see what internet in the car is truly like.

Read [Washington Post]