Buick, Cadillac, GMC & Chevrolet to offer WiFi in certain vehicles

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: GM to offer WiFi hotspots on certain vehicles : Leslie J. Allen : Automotive News : October 22, 2009 - 4:09 pm ET : DETROIT -- General Motors is making an Internet router available as a dealer-installed option on select vehicles throughout its Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Chevrolet lineup. : The device, from Autonet Mobile, of San Francisco, creates a Wi-Fi hotspot that extends 150 feet within and around the vehicle, allowing occupants to use portable devices to tap into the Web. : Initially, the Internet access will be available only in GM's vans, SUVs, crossovers and trucks -- vehicles most likely to be used by families. : The idea is that rear-seat passengers can use laptop computers, game players and other portable devices while people in the front seat can use the connection to stream Internet radio stations into the vehicle. : "Ninety percent of customers prefer surfing the Internet over just watching movies," Sterling Pratz, CEO of Autonet Mobile, said in a statement. "Customers want the biggest brands the Internet has to offer in their car, such as Facebook, YouTube and FlyCast Internet radio." : The mobile device also is intended to help small businesses stay connected. : Dealers will begin offering the router this month. It is also sold on a GM accessories site, www.gmextras.com. The retail price is $499. Internet access runs about $29 a month. : The Autonet device comes with a docking station, meaning it can be moved from one GM vehicle to another. : Autonet also supplies Internet routers for Chrysler, through its Mopar accessories unit, and Volkswagen.

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