Chrysler has unveiled its latest innovation. It has turned its cars into hot spots. Most of Chrysler’s latest Dodge and Jeeps will be installed with mobile web access.

 

With this whole new innovation, Dad can check on location indicators and ask for directions or inquire about the weather while Junior will have the time of his life surfing for the latest games and movies, not minding that he’s going on a six-hour trip and they’re right in the middle of a rush hour.

 

Regarded as an accessory, Chrysler now allows its car owners to access the Internet in around 100 feet around the vehicle. It will work on any cell phone network, and car owners can enjoy their Wi-Fi enabled gizmos such as PDAs, laptops and handheld game consoles.

 

The car manufacturing company owes its wireless connection to “Uconnect Web,” as it sets its pricing for the service to be $449 for the router and installation fees adding up from $35 to $50.

 

The car utilizes Autonet Mobile from San Francisco for its Internet service. Any car owner has the option to avail of a one-, two-, three-year plan or pay the $29 monthly payment with $35 for activation.

 

Chrysler’s connectivity technologies include a hard drive with 30 gigabytes, GPS, and wireless phone service thru Bluetooth. This wireless service has placed Chrysler on the race track with Ford Motors and General Motors. Ford has developed a Sync system to enable electronic devices to function on its latest car models while General Motors continue improving its satellite communications system.

 

Despite the benefits this latest technology offers, there has been a growing sentiment among Chrysler car owners regarding Internet connectivity while on the go, blaming car accidents on it since it’s deemed as an attention grabber.

 

According to Robert Wray, Mp3Car president, sky is the limit in terms of what can be done while inside a car with an Internet connection. Mp3Car is a forum and sales site for cars.

 

Sources:

http://www.autoweek.com

http://www.usatoday.com

 

More car lease specials information can be found at the Car Leasing Secrets website.

 

 

As we await the results of the biggest US Presidential Election we have ever seen, I have found an interesting article on how car choice reflects how Americans vote.

Kelley Blue Book Market Research surveyed almost 12,000 US car owners and how they planned to vote in the election. They found that owners of larger trucks and traditional luxury cars are more likely to vote for John McCain, while owners of hybrids and station wagons are more likely to vote for Barack Obama.

Backers of Arizona senator McCain typically own American brands – GMC (61%), Chevrolet (60%), Buick and Dodge (58%). McCain voters are also more likely to drive luxury brands like Lexus and BMW.

Barack Obama followers prefer imported vehicles, with the most popular being the Mini with 70%, Subaru (61%) and Saab (59%).

McCain supporters are most likely to drive full size trucks and SUVs, while Obama voters drive station wagons, hatchbacks and hybrids.

Rick Wainschel from Kelley Blue Book said “Car ownership says a lot about a person, and can even be an indicator who they are likely to vote for”. I do agree with this to an extent. While all this data may seem like a sweeping generalisation, some of it does make sense.

Sales of domestic and large trucks (McCain) are higher in traditionally Republican ‘red’ states whilst import and hybrid owners are predominantly located in Democratic ‘blue’ states.

Wired Blog claims all American brands like GMC and Chevrolet, as favoured by McCain followers, represent a blue collar ethic and fit with McCain’s image as a war hero with years of experience.

Throughout the campaign, Obama has stressed the importance of renewable energy, so it’s not surprising that eco-conscious hybrid car owners would vote for him.

So while some of it makes sense, I’m sure there are a lot of exceptions to the rule. I imagine a lot of American car choices reflect personal budgets and need for space rather than their voting preference.