Telematics takeoff comes with many questions

Connections for infotainment and app delivery, and design for safe use to head off limiting regulations, are among issues still being debated.

THERE'S LITTLE QUESTION that telematics is poised for a major expansion, both in the number of equipped vehicles and the services that drivers can expect. Though this market growth is already under way, there are still questions about communications techniques, driver distraction, and government's role.

Though many consumers are still unsure what telematics is, or why they might want it, there's no question that many groups are already eager to start reaping the benefits that come when vehicles can transmit data on their health and whereabouts.