The first dealer-installed telematics data system for all brands of vehicles was unveiled at the eAutoWorld conference in Dearborn, Mich., this spring. It’s called “NetworkCar” and rivals GM’s OnStar and Mercedes-Benz’s Concierge systems.

NetworkCar sales vice president, Donald Brady, said the wireless device was designed for easy installation and dealership sales as a product of the finance and insurance department. “It is ‘dealer-centric’ in that the vehicle’s service information and advance recall notices are sent to the selling dealer’s database, email notices can be automatically posted and road aid or lockout help can be summoned quickly,” Brady said.

The first dealer group offering NetworkCar starting this past March was Tuttle-Click Automotive Group, Irvine, Calif., at its Dodge and Ford stores. Paul Nogaki, Tuttle-Click’s director of business development, said NetworkCar jumped off to a 45 percent penetration rate for Dodge buyers and he expected it to top 50 percent by this summer.

Tuttle-Click charges $795 for a NetworkCar system, with the first year’s subscription fee paid by the dealer. The device can be piggybacked on a Lojack anti-theft device, Nogaki added. “Men like the diagnostic feature and women the security aspect,” he ventured.

NetworkCar is transferable if the vehicle is sold and can be offered on any new or used vehicle. Tuttle-Click, the 22nd largest megadealer group in new-unit sales last year, decided to add NetworkCar after Ford postponed introduction of its telematic WingCast system until 2003 or 2004.

Brady, an F&I sales consultant for Reynolds and Reynolds, which is an investor in NetworkCar, is based in San Diego, Calif., and can be reached at (858) 450-3245.