EU nations vote against proposal for wi-fi based car standard

21 members of the European Union voted against the EU executive’s proposal on Thursday for a wifi-based car standard in a blow to its backer Volkswagen. Germany, France and Italy which all have powerful auto industries – voted against the proposal. The decision comes after EU lawmakers endorsed a wifi plan over 5G technology promoted by BMW and Qualcomm in April.

The executive European Commision wants to set benchmarks for internet connected cars, a market that is expected to generate billions of euros in revenues for carmakers, telecoms operators and equipment makers, according to analysts.