EXCLUSIVE: A Holden Commodore worth less than $1000 has been transformed into the connected car to take part in the Shitbox Rally, driving 3500kms to help raise funds for the Cancer Council.
Independent digital communications and innovation consultancies Deepend and Nomad compiled the car and their team ‘The Internets’ will brave the drive from Perth to Darwin via the Kimberely.
The Internets’ car will be connected to the internet via satellite and 3G technologies for the duration of the rally and will be able to send and receive data including car telemetry; location, distance, speed, altitude and driver stats, as well as send tweets and more.
Remote control options will allow donors to do things such as pledge to turn the air-conditioning on and off for a period of time.
“We believe that the Internet is a key component in helping to research and treat cancer more effectively,” Matt Griffin, CEO of Deepend, said.
“By bringing personal technology and big data to the clinic, the laboratory and hospital, we believe that the future against cancer is connected – and it involves us all. Our connected car is a nod to the future and the hope that comes from advancements in this technology.”
“The Deepend and Nomad team have come together for this project across in-car tech, development, design, production and fundraising, and the results are extraordinary. Nomad MD Dave McGowan and I will be driving the car, but our team have been an essential in making this possible. No doubt they will be hijacking the radio with Justin Bieber in the coming weeks – all in the name of charity.”
