Cars to get wireless access?

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Car makers will start installing wireless connections in their latest models in order to appeal to consumers and workers addicted to the mobile web, according to Gartner.

The analyst firm predicted that by 2012, half of next-gen vehicles on the drawing board would have developers looking to include wireless data systems.

“The automotive industry must explore new ways to generate consumer interest, product differentiation and revenue opportunities,” said Thilo Koslowski, research vice president at Gartner, in a statement.

“Web-based applications and services specifically designed to enhance the driving and ownership experience, in particular, represent a significant chance to accomplish this,” he added, explaining that the systems would provide driving-related content, and not just mimic home computing.

By 2016, gadget addicted consumers will start to view connectivity on the go as being as important to their buying decision as traditional car features, such as fuel efficiency and even safety, Gartner added, advising automobile makers to have such cars ready to hit the road in the next four to eight years.

Koslowski added that a market will also develop to install – or upgrade – such wireless access in older cars.

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