AT&T looking to be the leader in the new connected car space
AT&T has announced that they have partnered with Tesla Motors, and will be the exclusive wireless provider for the North American region. Their data network will be powering Tesla’s remote diagnostics, entertainment, live traffic reports, weather and navigation services. Everyone’s favorite entrepreneur and technologist (as well as Tesla CEO) Elon Musk seems pretty stoked about the deal.
Tesla’s goal has always been to catalyze the market for electric vehicles for all consumers while providing an exceptional driving experience. AT&T’s advanced and reliable wireless connectivity will help Tesla continue to deliver a cutting-edge ownership experience.
Yesterday AT&T announced their new AT&T Drive initiative and 5,000 square foot Atlanta-based Drive Studio, which should work out well for both Tesla as well as application developers wanting to get attention for their apps.
While Tesla won’t move the volume of cars that a company like Ford or Nissan would, inking a deal with Musk and Tesla is a pretty big score for AT&T. It never hurts when you can work with one of the darlings of the tech world while developing new technology.
The full press release is after the break.
Tesla and AT&T to Enter Multi-Year Exclusive Agreement to Connect Current and Future Models in North America
Companies Collaborating to Deliver Wirelessly Connected Vehicles with Safety, Security, Diagnostic and Infotainment Services
Dallas, Texas, January 07, 2014
AT&T*, the leader in connected cars, and Tesla, the premier all-electric vehicle manufacturer, have entered into a new multi-year exclusive agreement to enable current and future Tesla vehicles in North America with high speed wireless connectivity. AT&T connectivity will power Tesla’s remote engine diagnostics, telematics, and industry-leading infotainment features such as Internet radio, Web browsing, live traffic, weather and navigation, all accessed through the 17-inch touchscreen.
“It’s an honor to work with a company as innovative as Tesla on delivering a connected experience inside automobiles for both drivers and passengers,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility.
“Tesla’s goal has always been to catalyze the market for electric vehicles for all consumers while providing an exceptional driving experience,” said Elon Musk, co-founder and CEO of Tesla. “AT&T’s advanced and reliable wireless connectivity will help Tesla continue to deliver a cutting-edge ownership experience.”
In addition, AT&T announced yesterday two major initiatives to lead innovation in the connected car market – a first-of-its-kind connected car innovation center in Atlanta, called the AT&T Drive Studio, and a new global automotive solution and development platform, now called AT&T Drive.
AT&T Drive Studio features a working lab, showroom to build and exhibit the latest innovations, and serves as an overall hub where AT&T can work hand in hand with companies and respond to opportunities presented by automotive manufacturers.
AT&T Drive is the company’s connected car platform – a modular and flexible, global solution that allows automakers to pick and choose what services and capabilities are important to them and allows them to differentiate their solutions in the marketplace. From connectivity and billing solutions to data analytics and infotainment, this platform will allow auto makers and developers to develop their own innovative and customized connected car solutions, now and in the future.
As a telematics leader, AT&T already provides mobile internet access in vehicles manufactured by both domestic and foreign automobile makers. AT&T was the first to enter the market with a proprietary, global SIM platform which made it possible for automotive, consumer and M2M equipment makers to work through a single carrier to wirelessly enable and connect products across the globe, and cars are being sold throughout world today with this SIM.
For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com.