DigitalBurn.com

Have you ever wanted to place a bid on eBay, order a pizza on the internet before you get home, and check a few e-mails on your computer while in the car?  If the ability to do so appeals to you, then consider a Chrysler in 2009.  In a first from any automaker, Chrysler is set on Thursday to announce ‘UConnect Web,’ a WiFi option for their automobile models.

In a competitive auto market, the struggling company is doing all it can to distinguish itself from the others.  ”It’s a notion of always wanting to be connected wherever you are,” said Scott Slagle, Chrysler’s senior manager of global marketing strategy. “There’s a demand for that.”  The technology is being launched just days prior to California’s July 1st hands-free law.  The law requires a headset while talking on the phone, however does not mention a computer.

Nonetheless, safety advocates are less than impressed.  ”Surfing the Web is something people really don’t have any business doing while they drive,” said Jonathan Adkins, spokesman for the Governors Highway Safety Association. “It’s definitely a distraction.”  Many safety groups are recommending a total ban of everything electronic in the car, regardless of whether a headset is in play or not.  Chrysler, however, is not worried.  ”We’re relying on the responsibility of the consumer to follow appropriate legislation,” said Keefe Leung, Chrysler’s engineer for the product.

[via Los Angeles Times]

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