Vehicle information display and communication system having an antenna array

The present invention provides a vehicle information display and communication system having a plurality of operative modules, the system includes a control processing unit adapted to provide an interface among the plurality of operative modules. The operative modules include a display module adapted to provide visual information to the occupants of the vehicle, a navigation module adapted for global positioning satellite reception to provide vehicle position information to the control processing unit, and a telecommunications module adapted for wireless communication to provide communication between the control processing unit and a wireless telecommunications network and between the control processing unit and any one of a plurality of local wireless devices. The system further includes a local network interface module adapted to provide communication between a vehicle control bus and the control processing unit, and an antenna array including a GPS antenna mounted in an overhead console, the overhead console adapted to extend forward over the upper edge of the vehicle windshield such that GPS antenna maintains line-of-sight with at least one global positioning satellite transmitter at all times.