Ford and Qualcomm Inc. will create a new company to equip Ford with wireless services.
Through the new venture, Ford plans to equip more than 1 million of its new cars and trucks by end of 2002, 3 million by 2003, and virtually all of its vehicles by end of 2004. The level and depth of services, called Wingcast, would increase each year, Ford said. Wingcast, to be based in San Diego, will be headed up by Harel Kodesh, formerly of Microsoft Corp.
Wingcast would offer communication, information, navigation, entertainment, safety, and security services from Ford cars and trucks as well as any compatible mobile device or computer. Wingcast plans to introduce its first services in cars and trucks in late 2001.
Nissan also plans to use Wingcast services in some luxury vehicles, and might expand it to more Nissan and Infiniti vehicles.
Ford said International Data Corp. has estimated the telematics market to grow to $42 billion by 2010, from $1 billion in 1998.