On the road no longer means out of touch. Chrysler is connecting the vehicle to the outside world, with a wide array of new, innovative and — in most cases — industry-first technologies, all designed to enhance the customer experience. Frank Klegon, Chrysler Executive Vice President of Product Development, outlined some of the new technologies at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Detroit on Monday.

Some of the new technologies Klegon talked about include:

In-vehicle wireless Internet connectivity
An advanced, in-vehicle wireless system to provide increased security and convenience far beyond anything available today. The system will provide high-speed data transfer and convenience, combining WiFi and 4G connectivity for a new level of wireless technology.
This system will transform the vehicle into a “hot spot” to deliver Internet and e-mail access, and movie and music download capability directly to the vehicle.
While Chrysler will offer this technology in future model-year vehicles, an aftermarket in-vehicle “hot-spot” wireless Internet capability is planned through Mopar® in 2008.

Rear Cross Path
An industry exclusive, Chrysler’s Rear Cross Path system warns drivers who are backing out of parking spaces of traffic moving toward their vehicle, but outside the driver’s field of vision. Drivers are notified of vehicles crossing behind their vehicle via an illuminated icon on the sideview mirror, and with an audible chime. Rear Cross Path operates any time the vehicle is in Reverse.
Rear Cross Path will be available on the 2009 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan.

Blind Spot Monitoring
Chrysler’s Blind Spot Monitoring system aids drivers when changing lanes if being passed by vehicles or when vehicles are positioned in the blind spot zone. Drivers are notified of a potential hazard via an illuminated icon on the sideview mirror, and if the turn signal is operated, an audible chime can act as an additional warning. Blind Spot Monitoring – which uses dual ultra-wideband radar sensors – is active any time the vehicle is moving forward.
Blind Spot Monitoring will be available on the 2009 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. No other minivan on the market offers this technology.