Zubie raises $8M for in-dash connected car device

Putting smartphone intelligence in the car is nothing new, but integrating smartphones with on-board car computers is a relatively fresh trick.

Zubie makes a small device that plugs in underneath the dash and reports car health stats to a smartphone in the car. It also offers social features for detecting loved ones who might also be on the road.

[aditude-amp id="flyingcarpet" targeting='{"env":"staging","page_type":"article","post_id":1524526,"post_type":"story","post_chan":"none","tags":null,"ai":false,"category":"none","all_categories":"business,entrepreneur,mobile,","session":"C"}']

The company announced today that it has raised a new $8 million funding round, led by Nokia Venture Partners and Magna International. Existing Zubie investors Castrol innoVentures, Comporium, and OpenAir Equity Partners also participated in the round.

Zubie says it will use the new money to fund the development of its car and driver management and vehicle analytics system.

The Charleston, South Carolina-based company raised a $10 million first round in December 2013 from Castrol InnoVentures, Comporium, and OpenAir Equity Partners.

Zubie says the connected car market is expected to reach $131 billion by 2019.

“In conjunction with our investors, Zubie will help global consumers and fleet owners alike to make driving smarter, safer, and more affordable,” said Zubie CEO Tim Kelly, in a statement.

You can buy Zubie online through Zubie.com, Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg.