Verizon Debuts New Connected Vehicle Service At Auto Show
By Edward Cardenas
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - Verizon unveiled a new connected vehicle service Tuesday at the North American International Auto Show which offers motorist enhanced, wireless roadside service to drivers.
Verizon Vehicle is a new subscription service available to millions of motorists that will provide drivers with a diagnostic information and connected services.
The system utilizes an OBD reader that can be self-installed under the dash diagnostic port and a Bluetooth-enabled speaker attached to the visor along with a smart phone app.
"(Verizon Vehicle) will bring the traditional roadside assistance model to the 21st century," said Erik Goldman, president of Verizon Telematics. "Verizon will connect your vehicle with a whole new suite of features providing a whole new level, safety, confidence and knowledge about your vehicle is operating."
The service can contact motorists about potential issues by phone, text, push notification or email. When the motorist learns of problems, and needs to contact a professional regarding the issues, the speaker offers one-button push connection to mechanics hotline or roadside assistance. There is also a second button for SOS emergency situations.
While the service is powered by Verizon, those using Verizon Vehicle do not have to be customers of the cell phone company.
Verizon Vehicle, which has been under development for nearly two years, is designed to work with 200 million cars, and 9,000 models, Goldman stated.
This announcement of the new service at Cobo Center also marked the first time Verizon has had a display at the NAIAS.
"We have a long history with the automotive industry," said Joe Boyle, Vice President, Aftermarket, Verizon Telematics. "We thought this was the right venue to take the next step in our journey of providing connected services to the automobile and interacting with this world of automobiles and technology."
Visitors to the public show will be able view a demonstration of the service at the Verizon booth in Cobo Center.
