More Than 200 Million Vehicles Eligible For 'Verizon Vehicle' Service

Jan 14, 2015 11:59 AM EST | Matt Mercuro

Verizon is introducing a new product that's capable of linking older cars with its wireless network for help in the event of a breakdown or to offer advice on how to make necessary repairs.

More than 200 million vehicles in the U.S. still aren't connected to the internet, cellular towers or satellites despite all the technological advancements made in the auto world.

During the Detroit Auto Show on Tuesday, the wireless giant introduced "Verizon Vehicle," a service that dispatches tow trucks, sends live mechanics into cars and diagnoses mechanical issues, according to a company release.

The new service will only cost users $14.99 per month of $179 per year, George Ayres, vice president of business development for Verizon Telematics, said at the auto show.

Thanks to the service, which Verizon has been working on for a couple of years, all drivers will be sent a monthly health report of their vehicles.

Automakers all over the world are working to bring the internet to their cars, as in-car technology is the top selling point for 39 percent of all auto buyers, according to a recent Accenture survey.

Read more about the service here.

Verizon's new product offers communication services to vehicles that have been in use for as long as 19 years by installing a diagnostic code reader under the dash and a speakerphone to the visor.

The system is capable of explaining why a check engine light is on and offer GPS-roadside assistance in order to get a tow truck to the car faster than ever before, according to a company release. Users can also press a button to connect with a certified mechanic who will help diagnose an issue, suggest a solution and tell users how much the repair should cost.

Eventually, more infotainment features, like turn-by-turn navigation, could be added by Verizon.

Verizon provides infotainment services to companies like Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Volkswagen. The new service will be compatible with more than 9,000 vehicles sold in the U.S. since 1996 however, according to a company statement.

Jeff Leddy, CEO of Verizon Telematics, said during the Detroit Auto Show, that Verizon Vehicle will be available as an app, and users won't have to be Verizon wireless subscribers to use the app either.

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