Mopar®
Launches Industry-first -
uconnect web™ Bringing Wireless Internet Connectivity to Chrysler,
Jeep® and Dodge Consumers
Auburn Hills,
Mich., Jun 26, 2008 - Mopar® announced
today that it will launch uconnect web™, Chrysler LLC's in-vehicle
wireless Internet connectivity for Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge
consumers in the U.S. uconnect web, powered by Autonet Mobile, delivers
continuous Internet connectivity to all vehicle passengers for
entertainment and real-time information access on the go.
uconnect web
will be available in August as a dealer-installed Mopar
Accessory. Mopar is Chrysler LLC's original equipment parts
manufacturer and distributor.
The
industry-first technology provides high-speed data transfer,
combining WiFi and 3G connectivity. uconnect web transforms the vehicle
into a mobile "hot spot," delivering unlimited, reliable and
uninterrupted Internet connectivity for all passengers in and around
the vehicle. The "hot spot" connection radius is approximately 100
feet-making it convenient to access the Internet at a soccer field or
family picnic.
Wherever
cellular service is available, uconnect web enables all
vehicle passengers to simultaneously connect with WiFi-enabled devices
like a laptop, iPhone, Sony Playstation (PSP), PDA and more to:
- access the Internet for e-mail, chat and IM
- view streaming movies or television shows
- download music and download/upload images
- play online games
"Mopar's
uconnect web brings a new level of convenience and technology
to our Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles," said Rob Richard, Director –
Mopar Part Sales and Service Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "With uconnect
web, all passengers in or near the vehicle are continuously connected
to the Internet. They can make dinner reservations, check directions or
weather, make online purchases, surf Facebook, MySpace, Disney or
Webkinz, watch the latest YouTube videos, upload photos to a Flickr
account-all at the same time."
"uconnect web
goes beyond today's DVD and GPS solutions, letting
passengers extend their Internet lifestyle to the car," said Sterling
Pratz, CEO of San Francisco-based Autonet Mobile. "The Internet is the
future of in-car entertainment. We're delighted to be working with
Chrysler LLC to deliver the first WiFi Internet access that lets
families, business and leisure travelers stay connected."
The U.S.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the router
module is $449. Dealer installation is estimated at approximately
$35-50. Autonet Mobile offers wireless Internet account service at $29
a month, available in 12-, 24- and 36-month service plans. There is a
one-time $35 service activation fee. Customer support assistance for
hardware and service is available.
Run over
integrated 3G and 2.5G (EVDO, 1xRTT) cellular data networks,
the router module with antenna hard-mounts in any vehicle. High-speed
Internet access ranges from 400-800 Kbps/sec., with upload speeds
averaging 400 Kbps/sec. The WiFi connection is secured with WEP
encryption, MAC address restriction or WAN port restriction. Compatible
with all operating systems supporting WiFi including Windows, Mac,
Linux and Solaris, no special software is required.
About
Autonet
Mobile
Autonet Mobile
is the first wireless Internet service provider for
vehicles. Founded by a corporate executive and former race car driver
and a leading network architect and designer, the company is dedicated
to enhancing the in-car experience, by bringing the power of the
Internet to the 200+ million cars on the road in the U.S. Autonet
Mobile currently provides Avis Rent a Car with the Avis Connect service
and is used by Storm Chasers, NASCAR and others. For more information
about Autonet Mobile visit www.autonetmobile.com.
70
Years of Mopar
When Chrysler
bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts
manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing
enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation
(CMPC) in 1929.
Originally used
in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words
MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in
1937. It was also widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar
brand made its mark in the 1960s-the muscle car era. The Chrysler
Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped
with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "Special
Parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts
division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling
for both road and racing use.
Today, Chrysler
LLC's Global Service & Parts division is
responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of nearly 250,000
authentic Mopar replacement parts, components, restoration parts,
accessories and performance parts for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles
sold around the world. To assure quality, reliability and durability,
all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict adherence to
Chrysler engineering standards.