Chrysler Plans Wi-Fi on 2009 Models

The struggling automaker will have wireless Internet options available

By Jim O'Neill, Newser User

Posted Jun 25, 2008 8:30 AM CDT

(Newser) – Struggling automaker Chrysler—the weakest of Detroit’s Big Three—is looking to the information highway to gain an advantage. To the dismay of some highway safety experts, the automaker will offer wireless Internet access as an option in all of its 2009 models, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The company , the first automaker to offer mobile Internet, hopes the Wi-Fi will turn around sales, which plummeted 19.3% this year. The option isn’t drawing rave reviews from safety advocates. "Surfing the Web is something people really don't have any business doing while they drive," said one. "It's definitely a distraction."

Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans roll off the assembly line at the Chrysler Assembly Plant in Windsor, Canada. (AP Photo/Jerry S. Mendoza, file)

Unsold 2008 Town & Country minivans sit stacked up on the lot at a Chrysler-Jeep dealership in the southeast Denver suburb of Centennial, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

The Chrysler logo is shown on one of its cars at a dealership in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Don Ryan, file)

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Chrysler Plans Wi-Fi on 2009 Models

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Chrysler Plans Wi-Fi on 2009 Models

The struggling automaker will have wireless Internet options available

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Chrysler • highway safety • WiFi • auto industry

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Chrysler Roars to $225M Profit

Finishes first profitable year since its bankruptcy

Car Sales Jumped 14% Last Month

Chrysler, VW saw huge gains

Chrysler's Big News: We Repaid Bailout Loan

Announcement coming tomorrow at Michigan plant

Obama Should Campaign on Auto Bailout

Some Republicans were ready to let GM, Chrysler die: Jonathan Cohn

Chrysler Turns 1st Profit Since Bankruptcy

Revenue climbs 35% as Big Three return to profitablility

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Newser By Users

Community

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