VANCOUVER -- Mojio today announced it will enable cars manufactured after 1996 to become connected cars via AT&T’s wireless network.

The Mojio solution is a cellular device that plugs into any car’s onboard diagnostic port – a port present in most cars manufactured after 1996. With AT&T’s wireless network connectivity, car owners will be able to locate, monitor and diagnose their car from their iOS or Android smartphone.

Unlike other after-market connected car devices, Mojio is built on an open platform that supports an ecosystem where developers can focus on continually improving the driver experience by creating apps that run on Mojio’s platform. “The possibilities are endless,” says Jay Giraud, CEO of Mojio. “With 20,000 codes and hundreds of sensors, cars are basically our biggest mobile device. Mojio’s open platform offers valuable functionality for just about every driver with a device that anyone can install in seconds and an app on your phone.” The Mojio device can be used to connect cars that are already on the road, providing a customized driver experience that will mirror the highly personalized relationships people have with their smartphones. With its core app, Mojio makes driving more intelligent, while keeping driver safety and convenience top of mind. Third party apps currently in development include parking payments, automated trip expensing, simplified car rental, home automation connections, and much more.

In a separate release:

VANCOUVER -- As auto manufacturers race to embed connected car technology into new cars in the coming years, Canadians will have the opportunity to connect their cars to the Internet much sooner thanks to Mojio and TELUS. The two companies have entered into an agreement to launch the innovative Mojio connected car solution in Canada, which will be powered by TELUS’ coast-to-coast wireless network, later this year.

The Mojio solution consists of a small cellular device that plugs into a car’s onboard diagnostic port (OBD II) – present in most cars since 1996. Mojio devices will connect vehicles to the Internet through the TELUS network, enabling drivers to locate, monitor and diagnose their car from their smartphone.

Unlike other after-market connected-car devices, Mojio is an open platform that supports a growing ecosystem of drivers, partners and developers who are focused on continually improving the driver experience through connected car apps.

At launch, Mojio will offer the following key benefits to drivers: Vehicle diagnostics – Mojio is a “virtual mechanic” that will read the hundreds of codes coming from the car and, beyond the vague check-engine light, inform the driver of the vehicle’s status at all times. Mojio will notify drivers when something goes wrong and its level of urgency, providing convenience and peace of mind.

Automated trip tracking – Mojio will monitor distance traveled, fuel efficiency and cost per trip, allowing drivers to monitor and improve their driving to save time and money. When driving for business purposes, Mojio can automate mileage and expense tracking. Vehicle monitoring – Mojio will show drivers their vehicle’s activity and location at all times, in real-time. If the engine is turned on or the vehicle is moved (i.e. towed) when the driver isn’t present, Mojio will send an instant notification.

Enhanced driving experience – Mojio anticipates drivers’ needs and displays the right information at the right time, like traffic-based route suggestions, turn-by-turn directions, nearby parking and gas stations – so drivers can focus on driving.

Social features – Mojio will help drivers stay safely connected with friends, family and appointments by providing the option to share vehicle location and estimated arrival time with selected contacts, without having to text while driving.

An app store for cars – Mojio will continue to add connected-car apps and, with new apps and services continually being developed, drivers will be able to customize their relationship with their car, just like they have with their smartphones. Third-party apps currently in development include parking payments, automated trip expensing, simplified car rental, home automation and much more.

Mojio Inc.