Today at the North American International Auto Show, Verizon announced their entry into the connected cars but not the way you would think. Introducing Verizon Vehicle: a service that combines of a module that goes into your diagnostic port, a Bluetooth speaker, + a smartphone app. So instead of just giving your car LTE, they’re giving you access to your car’s telemetry + diagnostics.
Think of Verizon Vehicle as a OnStar system you can put in car models as old as 1996.
The service gives you access to GPS-directed roadside assistance, accident alert for emergency assistance, auto health system to see what’s wrong w/ your car when you get that dreaded ‘Check Engine’ light on, maintenance alerts, Mechanics Hotline to A.S.E. certified mechanics, helps find where you parked your car along w/ letting you know how much time you have left on a parking meter, help track down your vehicle in case its gets stolen, and access to savings for hotels, vehicle rentals, maintenance/repairs, and other travel expenses.
It goes on sale around April 10th as the service will cost you $15 per month as it included the necessary hardware. If you want service for an additional car, it will be $13. Those of you who pre-order now will get their 1st month’s bill waived.
