Delphi 'Connected Car' Gives Mobile Devices Access to Vehicles

Delphi has introduced a unique plug-and-play connectivity device called “Connected Car” that will allow consumers to quickly lock and unlock their vehicle’s doors, locate, track, and also monitor their vehicles through a mobile device.

The device made its debut at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and is a new, cloud-based automotive connectivity service for consumers. The device simply connects into an OBDII port on any vehicle sold in the U.S. from 1996 onward and gives owners access to their vehicle’s data through a smartphone app or the Internet.

Delphi has teamed up with Verizon Wireless to ensure data transmitted through the device and through the Internet remains secure and encrypted, allowing users to safely lock their vehicles remotely, track their cars, monitor overall vehicle status, diagnose the engine’s health, receive alerts for driving behavior and vehicle performance issues, setup geo-fences to receive alerts for entry and exit, live tracking, and even automatic trip logs to help with expense reports.

“Drivers can now easily buy a connectivity device that plugs into most vehicles produced over the past 16 years, instantly furnishing seamless interaction and connectivity inside and outside the vehicle,” said Jeffrey J. Owens, Delphi chief technology officer. “Our device will help keep vehicles secure and operating optimally.” The Delphi connectivity system’s key fob service operates over the Verizon Wireless network or via Bluetooth to remotely lock or unlock doors, open the trunk, start or stop the engine and operate a panic horn on select vehicles.