Skip to main content

AT&T Partners With Honda and Ford on Car Communication and Connectivity

Apart from autonomous vehicle technology, connectivity and communication are among the biggest growth areas in automotive.

AT&T’s specialization in these systems is a considerable asset for carmakers, which is why Ford and Honda have partnered with the telecommunications company on two independent projects.

AT&T brings 4G LTE and Wi-Fi to Honda models

Recommended Videos

On the first day of 2017’s Consumer Electronics Show, AT&T announced it would bring its 4G LTE connectivity to Honda vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. HondaLink apps will benefit from the connectivity services for navigation, streaming radio, diagnostics, and remote lock/unlock functions.

“Honda owners are some of the most loyal customers in the world. We can’t wait to bring them an even better driving experience,” said Chris Penrose, President, Internet of Things Solutions, AT&T. “Wireless connectivity and connected car services continue to be a key feature in customers’ next car purchase decision. Our work with Honda will deliver new capabilities to future models.”

AT&T and Ford develop Vehicle-to-Anything communication

Vehicle-to-Anything (V2X) communication will make roads safer and less congested. To get this technology to market faster, AT&T has partnered with Ford and Delphi. Together, these companies will pair smart city infrastructure with vehicle communications systems.

AT&T’s LTE network will notify drivers of approaching vehicles and events (airbag deployments, collisions, hazardous road conditions, and wrong-way driving). In a future where self-driving cars interact with traffic lights, roadside monitors, signs, and any other connected devices, traffic and the number of accidents will be reduced.

In its press release, AT&T noted an increase (from 2014 to 2015) in vehicle-related deaths and a high rate of driver-error. The telecommunications company hopes this new technology will reverse this trend. The NHTSA’s proposed solution would require new cars to communicate with one another via dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) to avoid accidents. AT&T’s V2X platform and LTE network would extend DSRC’s range.

Delphi, Ford, and AT&T engaged in a joint research program to build the V2X platform. Delphi was behind the module itself, Ford developed the in-car integration, and AT&T built the software for the analytics platform and will provide wireless connectivity.

“This technology has the ability to drastically reduce accidents and save lives,” said Jim Zizelman, VP, Engineering, Delphi. “DSRC and LTE both have a unique role to play. The combination will help accelerate the adoption of V2X overall.”

“We believe robust, secure vehicle communications offers the potential to dramatically improve safety, reduce congestion and help protect the environment,” said Don Butler, executive director, Ford Connected Vehicle and Services. “Accelerating the deployment of these communications requires collaboration across industries and government agencies.”

“We’re moving from today’s connected car to a fully autonomous vehicle. Our work with Delphi and Ford will deliver safer, more secure, cost-effective and efficient solutions to do this,” said Chris Penrose, President, Internet of Things Solutions, AT&T.

Miles Branman
Miles Branman developed a passion for cars early on thanks to a neighbor’s collection of rare and exotic vehicles. What…
Summer heat killers: EVs with the least range loss
Recurrent tracked the effect of summer heat on more than 29,700 electric vehicles.
Ford Mustang Mach-E

Suppose you are considering an EV purchase or lease this summer and are concerned about battery range during heat waves. In that case, the results of a new study published by EV analytics firm Recurrent Auto can provide valuable guidance. Recurrent calls out the winners and losers in EV range hot temperature-sensitivity.

It's safe to say that EV battery range is affected by extremes in temperature, both hot and cold. As is the case with most general statements, that one, too, is subject to multiple "buts" and "howevers." Most studies of the effects of extreme cold on EV battery range or how hot temperatures can hamper your travel plans report on average EV travel range differences collected across a wide variety of EV brands and models. Some compile results from thousands of EVs of the same brand.

Read more
Indigenous designer Jeremy Arviso creates limited-edition Indian Motorcycle streetwear line
Arivso blends Indian Motorcycle DNA and indigenous visual elements
The Jeremy Arviso limited indigenous streetwear collection for Indian Motorcycle.

Indian Motorcycle announced a collaboration with well-known indigenous streetwear designer Jeremy Arviso. This limited-edition collection brings together Arviso’s bold style and the adventurous spirit of Indian Motorcycle. The nine-piece lineup celebrates a deep connection to land, community, and tradition.
Why Arviso created the collection

"Creating such a meaningful, modern expression of Native American style with a legendary brand like Indian Motorcycle, is both an honor and a  privilege,” Arviso said. “For this collection, I drew inspiration from the brand DNA of Indian Motorcycle, while carefully integrating vibrant color and  indigenous visual elements that symbolize movement and direction throughout the collection. Adorned with arrow motifs, each piece embodies a deep connection to land, community, and heritage.”

Read more
Adidas and Mercedes-AMG F1 launch Silver Arrows fanwear collection before British Grand Prix
The Silver Arrow collection is on sale worldwide at select Adidas retailers and the Adidas website.
F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli wearing Mercedes fan wear with a Mercedes-Benz W196 racecar.

Working with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, Adidas launched the Silver Arrow pack, a collection of fanwear inspired by the Mercedes-Benz W196 race car. Current Mercedes F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli posed with items from the Silver Arrow collection along with professional models.
Why celebrate the W196?

The W196 wasn't the first Silver Arrow. The first Mercedes to be called a Silver Arrow was the Mercedes W25, which debuted in 1934. However, driver Juan Fangio won the 1954 and 1955 F1 World Championships with the W196, which was among the several models referred to by the group name. The Adidas Silver Arrow collection celebrates the 70th anniversary of the W196's first F1 Championship season.

Read more