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U.S. News: WebTech Wireless & Crown Telecom team up with VW Brazil

Volkswagen Brazil, in collaboration with Crown Telecom and WebTech Wireless, is equipping the VW Golf GTI with new hi-tech features, including vehicle monitoring, on board Bluetooth Internet access via PDA, and Bluetooth-based hands-free mobile phone operation. (10/26/2004)

The real-time vehicle tracking system is provided by Crown Telecom, and powered by WebTech Wireless products. The service has strong financial appeal, as every vehicle with the Crown Telecom system installed is granted an average reduction of 35% in insurance premiums. One distinctive advantage to this program is that the manufacturer's warranty remains valid after installation.

From November 2004, this new technology will also be available on any VW vehicle, and can be installed at any VW Brazil dealership.

On-board Bluetooth Internet access via PDA is a new technology in South America. VW is actively researching user adoption of this technology that allows the transmission of emails and other information from within the vehicle within a 10-meter radius. Wireless access for notebooks and PDAs is made available via the WebTech Locator, and this technology can be used anywhere in the country.

To present these new solutions, VW Brazil has partnered with companies that successfully address all the technical requirements of the new services, namely:

  • Crown Telecom: vehicle monitoring solution and on board wireless Internet, powered by WebTech Wireless products and services
  • TIM - Telecom Italia Mobile: responsible for voice and data communications over GSM / GPRS
  • Microsoft: provider of mapping solutions used by Crown Telecom
  • Delphi: provider of vehicle Bluetooth hands-free equipment
  • Motorola Brazil: manufacturer of MPX 220 mobile phones

“The adoption of this innovation reinforces VW's policy of being the most popular car manufacturer in Brazil,” commented Paulo Kakinoff, Sales & Marketing director, VW Brazil.

Anwar Sukkarie, president & CEO, WebTech Wireless, said: “VW Brazil has successfully introduced yet another pioneering service solution to the automobile industry that could certainly be emulated elsewhere worldwide.”