Car Wi-Fi Feature To Soar in Popularity

Shipments of built-in car Wi-Fi systems are set to soar by more than 40 fold by 2017, according to market research firm iSuppli Corp. Automakers increasingly view wireless connectivity as a key competitive differentiator in the auto market and are integrating it in their new models. In the past Wi-Fi has been offered as an after purchase accessory. Worldwide automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) shipments of Wi-Fi systems will rise to 7.2 million units in 2017, up from just 174,000 in 2010, according to iSuppli's forecast. Wi-Fi gives OEMs a competitive advantage. Staying connected is important to users and can improve the overall in-vehicle experience.