Motorola Inc. announced a partnership with BMW North America Inc. to create a new telematics cellular phone system expected to be available on all BMW models by late this year.
The BMW Mayday Cellular Phone combines cellular telephony with global positioning system satellite location technology and telematics intelligence to extend 24-hour roadside assistance, emergency response, stolen vehicle notification, remote door unlocking and other services to BMW drivers who buy the retailer-installed package.
The package includes GT Plus Oncore GPS receivers, cellular handsets made specifically for the system and telematics communication functions all from Motorola. AT&T Wireless Services Inc. is providing the airtime.
Aside from normal voice functions, the Mayday Cellular Phone features a one-touch button connection to the BMW Response Center, which can perform several functions. If an accident occurs that deploys the car’s air bag, the system automatically notifies the center of the accident and the vehicle’s location. Response Center operators then dispatch the appropriate emergency services.
On request, Response Center personnel also provide information like directions, traffic condition updates and regional hotel and restaurant information. These services are available free for the first six months after buying the system.
Telematics functions include remote door unlock and theft protection features. The remote door unlock feature allows drivers to call the BMW Response Center if they’ve locked themselves out. A password confirms the proper ownership, at which point the Response Center activates the intelligent telematics system in the vehicle to unlock the car.
The theft protection feature automatically calls the center when the vehicle’s intrusion-alarm is activated. The operators at the center then call the car and ask for the driver’s password. If given the incorrect answer, the center then uses the GPS receivers to ascertain the car’s location and alert the police.
BMW North America handles the marketing and distribution responsibilities for BMW in the United States.
The retailer-installed accessory package will retail for about $1,200, the company said, not including airtime.
