EU lawmakers support wifi-based standard backed by Volkswagen

The European Commission’s support for a wifi-based standard for vehicles backed by Volkswagen took a big step forward on Wednesday after EU lawmakers supported wifi over 5G technology promoted by BMW and Qualcomm.

The EU executive wants to set benchmarks for internet connected vehicles, a market that could bring billions of euros in incomes for automakers, telecoms operators and equipment makers, according to experts.

The issue has divided the auto and tech industries and triggered fierce lobbying from both sides looking for a share of a potentially lucrative market for internet-connected vehicles.

Wifi technology supporters consists of Renault, Toyota, NXP, Autotalks and Kapsch TrafficCom. The technology mainly connects cars to other cars.

5G backers consists of well known companies such as Daimler, Ford, PSA Group, Deutsche Telekom, Ericsson, Huawei, Intel, Qualcomm and Samsung.