Nokia revs up in-car Bluetooth

Nokia has unveiled an in-car communications system based on Bluetooth wireless technology which will be built into forthcoming Volkswagen Passat models.

The cars will come equipped with the Premium handset integration product from Nokia Automotive, making Volkswagen the first car manufacturer to offer a factory-fitted system that supports the Bluetooth SIM Access Profile.

The handset integration product provides compatibility with a wide range of mobile phones from various manufacturers. A mobile phone holder is also offered as an option for users who wish to charge their phone in the car.

Using the Bluetooth SIM Access Profile, the Nokia offering can access the SIM card of the compatible mobile phone and log-on to the GSM network.

As soon as the user gets out of the car or presses a certain button on his mobile phone, the receiving mode is deactivated and the phone automatically logs back onto the mobile network.

According to Nokia, hands-free users linking their handsets to the system benefit from an external GSM antenna and access to applications via an external alphanumerical keyboard, the multifunctional steering wheel or voice dial. Users can also access personal contact data stored in the mobile phone via Bluetooth.

"For the first time, a car maker is offering a communication solution using the Bluetooth SIM Access Profile that is factory-fitted in the vehicle. This represents an important engineering achievement," said Marcus Stahl, general manager of Nokia Automotive.

The Nokia handset integration product will begin shipping in the Volkswagen Passat this summer.