AT&T To Work With Panasonic On Connected Car Concept

Cars have started getting more and more connected, starting with iPhone/iPod docks in cars to inbuilt GPS systems and Bluetooth connectivity allowing handsfree talking while driving. Now it looks like AT&T and Panasonic will be working together to design a connected car concept which is aimed to be tested on newer car models at the end of the year.

AT&T will be providing the network services while Panasonic provides the hardware and it will be interesting to see how connected they can make a car, maybe turning it into a mobile hotspot? If anything, hopefully more connectivity will allow for less texting and talking on the mobile phone while driving.

As today’s drivers spend increasing amounts of time on the road, they continue to seek vehicles that complement their ‘always-on’, hyper-mobile lifestyles,” said Steve Deguchi, president of Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America.

“Automakers that successfully make vehicles that deliver smart, personalized services to drivers on demand have a tremendous opportunity to stand out from the competition. The most appealing vehicles will be those that serve as yet another node in a driver’s existing network of devices.”