Volkswagen Routan to Feature uconnect

The US branch of German manufacturer Volkswagen has announced it has teamed up with Autonet Mobile to provide uconnect for the local Volkswagen Routan, bringing for the first time internet services for Volkswagen vehicles. Starting this month, the cars can be equipped with the system at some 600 local Volkswagen dealerships.

"Volkswagen is committed to delivering vehicles that epitomize and enhance our digital customers’ lifestyle, and the Routan is a modern family vehicle. Internet access is a clear benefit to our customers. We’re excited to work with Autonet Mobile to bring connectivity to our Routan customers,” Mark Barnes, Volkswagen COO said.

Thanks to the uconnect, WiFi enabled devices such as laptops, netbooks, Nintendo’s DS, Sony’s PSP and iPod touch can be connected to the Internet. The service is provided, of course, via subscription, at a charge of $29 a month.

“The Routan customer is looking for entertainment options beyond the traditional DVD player. Consumers want to extend their living room lifestyle to the vehicle and want the ability to use internet-driven applications – gaming, email, IM, internet radio, and other entertainment and information services – while on the road. We’re thrilled to be a part of the revolution that is making the minivan the cool car to drive,” Sterling Pratz, Autonet Mobile CEO added.

Those of you who are still in the dark about what the Volkswagen Routan is should know the car itself is not a Volkswagen creation per se, but a rebadged, restyled Chrysler, built on the RT platform. It is a relatively new addition to the market, as it went on sale in September last year and is only available in the US, Canada and Mexico. The Routan is the brain child of a joint venture between Volkswagen and the former DaimlerChrysler.