Volkswagen Routan to Feature WiFi From Autonet Mobile in the US

2009 Volkswagen Routan

Costs $29 a month

By Michael Gauthier
June 10, 2009 4:45 PM
Filed Under: Gadgets, German, Technology, Volkswagen

Volkswagen has announced they will offer Autonet Mobile Wi-Fi internet access in their Routan minivan.

The dealer installed system offers internet access for all Wi-Fi enabled devices, effectively turning the Routan into a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Built on Verizon Wireless' mobile data network, the wireless internet plan uses 3G and 2.5G cellular data networks to offer broadband speeds and extensive coverage.

Monthly subscription plans start at $29 for 1GB of access while 5GB plans cost $59 a month.

According to Autonet Mobile's CEO, Sterling Pratz, "Consumers want to extend their living room lifestyle to the vehicle and want the ability to use internet-driven applications - gaming, email, IM, internet radio, and other entertainment and information services - while on the road. We're thrilled to be a part of the revolution that is making the minivan the cool vehicle to own."

Although we doubt this will increase the sex appeal of a VW badged Dodge Grand Caravan, the usefulness of Wi-Fi internet access is hard to deny.

Source: VW

Press Release (Click to expand)

Routan Customers Now Able to Take Internet Access on the Road With Wi-Fi from Autonet Mobile

Uconnect web to provide in-vehicle internet entertainment to Volkswagen's minivan

HERNDON, Va., June 9 -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced a collaboration with Autonet Mobile, that will make it possible to equip their European-tuned minivan, Routan, with uconnect web, an in-vehicle internet service. Beginning this month, approximately 600 Volkswagen dealerships in the United States will offer Routan owners the opportunity to add uconnect web, powered by Autonet Mobile, to their vehicle. This partnership will deliver the first internet entertainment system for Volkswagen vehicles.

Routan customers will now be able to take the internet with them on the road. With Autonet Mobile, the seven passenger Routan becomes a Wi-Fi hotspot, delivering reliable and easy-to-use internet access. Passengers can bring all of their own Wi-Fi enabled devices such as laptops, gaming systems, digital music players, and other devices on the road. Routan passengers will be able to Instant Message (IM), visit popular social media sites, check traffic or make dinner reservations all from the comfort of their Routan.

"Volkswagen is committed to delivering vehicles that epitomize and enhance our digital customers' lifestyle, and the Routan is a modern family vehicle," said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "Internet access is a clear benefit to our customers. We're excited to work with Autonet Mobile to bring uconnect web to our Routan customers."

The addition of uconnect web brings advanced communications features to Volkswagen's newest family vehicle. Now Routan customers will have instant internet access anytime and anywhere. Monthly subscription plans start at $29 and uconnect web is installed by the dealer.

"The Routan customer is looking for entertainment options beyond the traditional DVD player," said Sterling Pratz, CEO of Autonet Mobile. "Consumers want to extend their living room lifestyle to the vehicle and want the ability to use internet-driven applications - gaming, email, IM, internet radio, and other entertainment and information services - while on the road. We're thrilled to be a part of the revolution that is making the minivan the cool vehicle to own."

About Autonet Mobile

Autonet Mobile is the world's first in-car internet service provider. Founded by a corporate executive and former race car driver and a leading network architect and designer, the company is dedicated to enhancing the in-car experience by bringing the power of the internet to the 200+ million cars on the road in the U.S. For more information about Autonet Mobile, visit www.autonetmobile.com

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Eos, Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg 2 and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2009 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt.