The future is here with connected vehicles. A connected vehicle (automobile) is equipped with internet access and its own local network. This enables the vehicle to share internet access with other devices both inside as well as outside the vehicle.
The most common discussions about the connected vehicle are around what they do for the consumer. However, manufacturers and their transportation service providers (truckers, railroads, etc) will also be able to 'connect' electronically to the vehicle to access data that will improve management of the vehicle supply chain. This data, like their location, battery life, longitude/latitude, etc. can be transmitted between partners as the vehicle moves through the supply chain to the dealer.