Panasonic's mobile DVD theater displayed at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this month includes an in-dash monitor. Ford Motor Co. President Jac Nasser, said earlier this month at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit that future vehicles will allow owners to remain connected to the digital world that's now focused on the personal computer and Internet. But vehicles are becoming Internet portals that consumers will use to stay informed, to be safe and for entertainment. Tom Hawk, general manager of business innovation services for Armonk, N.Y.-based technology giant IBM, agreed. People will be able to get information 24 hours a day, seven days a week wherever they are.
Consumers can expect to see telematics-equipped vehicles in dealer showrooms soon.
Telematics is the industry term for in-vehicle communications, information technologies and services such as wireless phones, navigation systems, satellite radio and Internet access. The automaker will offer systems as standard equipment on some of its Lincoln luxury vehicles in the United States and as optional equipment on its Ford Focus model in Europe. Ford plans to announce other applications soon. It also unveiled its three 24.7 vehicle concepts. The truck, coupe and wagon all feature telematics systems developed by Ford subsidiary Visteon Corp. that enable motorists to access e-mail, make phone calls, get route assistance, weather reports and track their favorite company stocks.