Spring 2006

Could car manufacturers be looking again at telematics as a way to add value to their products? After an early rush of enthusiasm, in recent years they have shown somewhat less enthusiasm for telematics, which they have found competitive and prone to rapid technology change. However, Ford in the US has lately been demonstrating an American car model brimming with electronics, including some clever telematics.

The demonstration vehicle, described as a "completely wireless-enabled" Five Hundred saloon, has been fitted out by Telcordia, a leading global provider of telecommunications network software and services.

As the publicity material elegantly puts it, the car "showcases a seamless transition between car, MP3 player, GPS and location-based-services." The wireless technology apparently does everything from remotely unlocking doors to playing MP3 audio, and somewhere amongst this is it also provides detailed diagnostics to keep the car in shape and fuel-efficient.

Behind the system is Telcordia's IP-based end-to-end service platform, which is said to work on any cellular phone and Wi-Fi network, and is satellite-enabled for GPS navigation and roadside assistance.

 

Elements of the telematics solution are being incorporated within the Telcordia Maestro IMS Portfolio of products, services and applications.

Sounds fun.