Bluetooth And Wi-Fi Technologies To Revolutionize Automotive Landscape, According To New ABI Report.

Business Editors

OYSTER BAY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 8, 2002

According to the findings of a new report from Allied Business Intelligence Inc (ABI), the use of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (a.k.a. 802.11) wireless technologies in the automobile will dramatically alter the face of the automotive environment in and out of the vehicle.

Future Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-based automotive applications will deliver new opportunities to all aspects of the industry, from silicon vendors and hardware manufacturers, to automakers and gasoline retailers.

Due out later this year, Chrysler's UConnect Bluetooth hands-free car kit will mark Bluetooth's introduction into a production vehicle. But while telephony may be Bluetooth's key automotive market driver, Wi-Fi's principal driver stems from the FCC's allocation of the 5.850-5.925 GHz band for DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications). This will spur the introduction of interoperable, Wi-Fi based automotive services, such as toll collection, mobile commerce, and entertainment. However, hurdles still need to be overcome, including high silicon costs, power consumption, and a lack of roadside infrastructure.

Although it may be another couple of years before vehicles come off the assembly line with 802.11 hardware, Bluetooth-enabled equipment will be embedded in several new American, Japanese, and European vehicles beginning in 2003. According to report findings, nearly 20% of all new vehicles will feature embedded Bluetooth hardware by 2007, while almost 12% will contain embedded 802.11 hardware.

"Hands-free telephony will be just the beginning. The introduction of Bluetooth and 802.11 into the automotive environment promises to enable a slew of new and sophisticated automotive applications," said Frank Viquez, ABI Senior Analyst and report author. He also noted that a partial list of such applications include remote vehicle diagnostics, compelling and less expensive telematics services, highly advanced automotive safety systems, and remote audio and video downloads into the vehicle.

The new report, "Automotive Wireless Networks: Examining The Proliferation of WLAN and PAN Technologies Into The Automotive Platform," provides a comprehensive analysis of current and future automotive Bluetooth and 802.11 applications. The report also supplies projections for Bluetooth and 802.11 automotive node and device shipments, and provides analyses of key market participants.

Allied Business Intelligence Inc is an Oyster Bay, NY-based technology research think tank that publishes research and technology intelligence on the wireless, broadband, electronics, networking and energy industries. Details may be found at www.alliedworld.com or by calling 516-624-3113.