Just 10 months after Vinli started shipping their connected car platform, the connected car startup has announced a partnership with a power house for automotive brands in the US.

Their alliance with Cox Automotive, to create a Connected Dealership Program, will mean they will have a new customer base of up to 40,000 dealer clients across the US.

This is big news for the Texas-based Lebanese entrepreneur Mark Haidar, Vinli founder and CEO.

Like a Chromecast for cars, the Vinli USB is plugged into a car’s on-board diagnostics (OBD) port, and using Bluetooth and 4G LTE it connects to the car’s internal electronics. It then works as an in-car telematics solution, with service supporting apps, safety services and advanced diagnostics - it will show live vehicle location, vehicle health management and driving history.

Through the partnership, the dealerships sell both new and used cars and the program enables Vinli to be installed in every car on the lot. It's a complete lot management solution for dealerships and new owners get the benefits of Vinli’s wifi, apps and safety services.

“Our partnership with Vinli is an example of how Cox Automotive New Ventures helps accelerate next ­generation innovation ventures around the globe,” said David Liniado, vice president of New Ventures at Cox Automotive. “We already know connectivity is the next big frontier in the automotive dealership ecosystem. Of the solutions we’ve seen, only Vinli offers the flexibility, depth and technological prowess that is needed to provide a robust solution to both dealers and consumers.”

The second major player they are now to be working with is international car repair chain Meineke.

As of October Meineke ‘car care centers’ will be integrating the Vinli USB for all Meineke Rewards Members.

Vinli also said that according to consulting firm Frost & Sullivan they had become the largest application and developer ecosystem in the connected car industry. They published more than 40 apps and integrations on the platform this year, and hundreds more are in the pipeline.

The report, which comes after they awarded Vlinli the 2016 Customer Value Leadership Award on Monday, also highlighted the fact that cars that could be connected but are not (those built in the US after 1996), number about 300 million and is set to increase to 331 million by 2018.

“This is just the beginning for Vinli,” said Haidar in the statement. “We are committed to continue paving the road with the most innovative companies in the industry to change the way the world drives.”

Feature image via Vinli.