MobileBeat: Motolingo wants to make you a savvier driver

Motolingo is one of 20 promising startups included in the MobileBeat 2010 Startup Competition, and is in the running for one of two coveted Tesla Awards.

Ever wish you could be a smarter driver? Now a startup called Motolingo has launched a set of mobile applications that sends car data to smartphones for improved service and travel.

The company essentially connects the car’s computer to any smartphone to offer the user information that might not otherwise be available while driving. Information might include location, fuel consumption, why the check engine light is on or even a reminder to stop texting while driving.

There’s a bit of setup involved, but the company claims it should only take two minutes. A low-cost hardware device plugs into the car’s diagnostic port — any car made after 1996 has one, and can sync to a smartphone via Bluetooth through the Motlingo app.

The company says its competitors include Hughes Telematics, which offers solutions for manufacturers, dealers and consumers, as well as Ford Sync and GM’s OnStar.

Motolingo also claims to be seeing traction in business with several opportunities in the works, including a large telecommunications consulting company in Europe selling the service to wireless carriers and an insurance company waiting for Android functionality.

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Tags: car applications