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FCA Selects HARMAN (Samsung) and Google Technologies for New Global Connected Vehicle “Ecosystem”

New on- and off-board systems to deliver faster, more convenient and fully integrated connected customer experience for vehicle owners in more than 150 countries
Off-board, Uconnect services will use new cloud-based platform from HARMAN, a Samsung company, to power connectivity and deliver full array of services
On-board, Uconnect system will be powered by Android and deployed to millions of FCA vehicles, offering owners an intuitive app-based environment
Ecosystem provides optimal environment for electric vehicles and mobility services
New connected “ecosystem” begins to launch in second half of 2019 and will be featured on all new FCA vehicles worldwide by 2022

April 30, 2019 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) (NYSE: FCAU / MTA: FCA) announced today that it will use HARMAN (Samsung) and Google technologies to deliver a new “ecosystem” that will enhance the connected life of FCA vehicle owners globally.

Off-board, the system will promptly and securely manage in-vehicle and additional data using an architecture based on the HARMAN Ignite cloud-based platform. The system will deliver an enhanced user experience that will assist owners by predicting maintenance needs, locating fuel and charging stations, receiving traffic prompts and restaurant offers and providing live customer-care assistance at the push of a button. Vehicles can also receive over-the-air (OTA) software updates, ensuring owners benefit from new capabilities and the latest software applications.

The global platform will offer owners 4G network connectivity and support the evolution to 5G, is homologated for all regions and will integrate with any service provider around the world. The off-board system also has the capability to interact with future smart cities' infrastructure, as well as household devices via Samsung’s “Smart Things” platform.

In addition to vehicle owners, dealers, fleet operators and service providers also will benefit from the features delivered through the new cloud-based connectivity.

On-board, the new system will be powered by Android, offering a strong, proven and intuitive app-based environment that provides fresh content via OTA updates, fast interaction and seamless wireless integration with the customer’s mobile devices. The trusted and secure system will offer owners continuous innovation and will feature updates through a built-in cellular network, allowing for new capabilities in autonomous driving initiatives, electrification and connected services.

This connected ecosystem will provide an optimal technical environment for FCA electrified vehicles, with applications such as remote battery management, smart EV trip navigator and vehicle-to-grid services. It will also support the FCA Mobility Services portfolio, including features such as pay-by-the-mile options, usage-based vehicle insurance, short-, medium- and long-term vehicle rental and peer-to-peer car sharing solutions, such as the U-Go system, recently launched by Leasys in Europe.

The key components of the system will start to rollout in phases across global regions during the second half of 2019 and all new FCA vehicles will be connected by 2022

“By selecting industry leaders such as Samsung and Google, we are making an efficient and responsible utilization of capital to provide advanced technological solutions to our customers worldwide,” said Harald Wester, Chief Technical Officer, FCA. “In collaboration with HARMAN - Samsung and Google, we have developed a flexible, easy-to-use and connected ‘ecosystem’ that not only deploys today’s technology, but is also ready to integrate upcoming innovations.”

“HARMAN Ignite and our award-winning OTA are essential ingredients of the future of connected cars and we are thrilled to partner with FCA on building their global ecosystem. With these new technologies, HARMAN and Samsung offer a whole new level of customized and personalized services benefitting OEMs like FCA, consumers and enterprises in the growing car share industry in an unprecedented way,” said Dinesh Paliwal, President and CEO HARMAN.

“The modern, in-vehicle experience must be designed for seamless connectivity and digital content, and provide an integrated, but familiar experience for the on-the-go consumer,” said Patrick Brady, Vice President of Engineering at Google. “We are excited FCA will power its infotainment system with Android, providing its drivers with a reliable and rich environment ripe for app and content development.”

About FCA N.V.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is a global automaker that designs, engineers, manufactures and sells vehicles in a portfolio of exciting brands, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep®, Lancia, Ram and Maserati. It also sells parts and services under the Mopar name and operates in the components and production systems sectors under the Comau and Teksid brands. FCA employs nearly 200,000 people around the globe. For more information regarding FCA, please visit www.fcagroup.com.

About UCONNECT
Launched in 2003, Uconnect is the award-winning connected vehicle platform that is built into Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram and FIAT vehicles. It delivers advanced connectivity, entertainment, navigation and communication services that are as powerful as they are easy to use, keeping customers focused on the road.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the FCA Group’s current expectations and projections about future events and, by their nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. They relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur or exist in the future and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on them. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in such statements as a result of a variety of factors, including: volatility and deterioration of capital and financial markets, changes in commodity prices, changes in general economic conditions, economic growth and other changes in business conditions, weather, floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters, changes in government regulation, production difficulties, including capacity and supply constraints, and many other risks and uncertainties, most of which are outside of the FCA Group’s control.

 

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FCA to Launch New In-vehicle Uconnect

FCA to Launch New In-vehicle Uconnect Market Commerce Platform

Uconnect Market is a new platform that allows FCA customers to make on-demand reservations and to purchase products and services directly from the vehicle touchscreen
Customers interact directly with a variety of merchants, including Shell, Domino’s, ParkWhiz and Yelp Reservations
Uconnect Market platform will deploy in the second half of 2019
New platform, developed in partnership with Xevo, follows recent announcement of new connected system for FCA vehicles

June 24, 2019 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -

FCA continues to advance its in-vehicle technology, announcing today the launch of Uconnect Market, a new in-vehicle commerce platform that gives customers the opportunity to conveniently order food, find the nearest gas station, save money on fuel purchases and make dinner reservations, all from the comfort of their vehicles.

With the new platform, FCA owners will be able to skip lines and save time by ordering (and paying for) food and beverages, reserve a table on the way to their favorite restaurant or locate and securely authorize pump-and-pay fuel at participating locations. Drivers can also locate and pay for nearby parking and schedule service appointments at FCA US dealerships, all while in the vehicle without having to reach for a physical credit card.

“Our customers live busy lives, and our goal with the Uconnect platform is to provide an advanced portfolio of services to make their daily drive more convenient, productive and enjoyable,” said Alan D’Agostini, Global Head of Connected Services, FCA. “This is why we are launching Uconnect Market, as we continue to ramp-up our connectivity efforts around the world with the goal of having all new FCA vehicles connected by 2022.”

The lineup of brands participating in the Uconnect Market platform at launch includes Shell, Domino’s, Park Whiz and Yelp Reservations.

Uconnect Market includes the following services:

Wallet: When setting up a Uconnect Market account, vehicle owners can enroll a credit card for use with selected Uconnect Market partners
Service: Consumers will have access to national Mopar service offers, the ability to locate a certified Mopar service center and schedule service appointments
Fuel: Owners can view a list of nearby fuel stations and authorize a fuel pump charge at participating Shell stations by using Shell Pay & Save program
Food: The platform uses Yelp to display a list of nearby restaurants by category; consumers also have the option to make reservations at participating restaurants
Parking: Find, book and pay for parking at thousands of garages across North America through ParkWhiz, an Arrive-powered brand

Uconnect Market was developed in partnership with Seattle-based Xevo, recently acquired by Lear Corporation. The platform will deploy in the second half of 2019 via an over-the-air (OTA) update for model-year 2019 and 2020 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep® and Ram brand vehicles equipped with connected services and the latest generation of 8.4-inch touchscreens, and will continue as a carryover feature for future models equipped with the 8.4-inch touchscreen.

Commitment to Connectivity
The Uconnect Market introduction follows the recent FCA announcement of a new in-vehicle “ecosystem” using HARMAN (Samsung) and Google Technologies. The new system will promptly and securely manage in-vehicle and additional data using an architecture based on the HARMAN Ignite cloud-based platform. It will also be powered by Android, offering a strong, proven and intuitive app-based environment that provides fresh content via OTA updates, fast interaction and seamless wireless integration with the customer’s mobile devices.

The key components of the new “ecosystem” will start to rollout in phases across global regions during the second half of 2019, and all new FCA vehicles will be connected by 2022.

About Uconnect
Launched in 2003, Uconnect is the award-winning connected vehicle platform that is built into Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and FIAT vehicles. It delivers advanced connectivity, entertainment, navigation and communication services that are as powerful as they are easy to use, keeping customers focused on the road. For more information, visit www.driveuconnect.com.

 

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Fiat Chrysler Drivers Can Pay for Gas with Uconnect Market

01/16/2020


Shell Oil Company (Shell), the largest fuel network in the United States announced today that Shell-branded stations across the U.S. will now accept payment through Uconnect Market, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ (FCA) new in-vehicle commerce platform. Shell now becomes the only vendor in Uconnect Market allowing consumers to find the nearest gas station, purchase fuel and services, and save money on Shell fuel purchases, all from the comfort of their vehicles. Customers who fuel their eligible Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, and Ram Brand vehicles at participating Shell stations will be able to use Shell Pay & Save within Uconnect Market to pay for their fuel directly from their in-vehicle touchscreens, earn and redeem valuable Fuel Rewards® savings, and get back on the road in no time.

The in-vehicle Shell Pay & Save functionality will provide customers with features that offer speed, convenience, and security, along with rewarding offers during their fuelling experience. The customer simply uses Uconnect Market in their vehicle to locate nearby Shell stations and navigates to the closest one, then securely authorizes a fuelling charge through the convenient in-vehicle payment system before fuelling their vehicle. And all of this is accomplished without consumers needing to swipe a credit card or use a mobile phone to pay. A



The program makes it possible for Shell to offer savings through the Fuel Rewards® program and highlight station amenities. New Fuel Rewards accounts will receive Instant Gold Status for the first six months, and everyone gets an additional 5¢/gal in Fuel Rewards® program savings on every fuel purchase made via Uconnect Market through February 29, 2020. This means Gold Status members can earn 10¢/gal compared to the usual 5¢/gal in Fuel Rewards program savings, and Silver Status members can earn 8¢/gal, rather than the usual 3¢/gal in Fuel Rewards program savings. Learn more at shell.us/fcaconnectedcar.


SOURCE

 

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Uconnect® Market | How To | Uconnect®

Dec 2, 2019

Uconnect® Market lets you do things like make reservations, find and pay for parking, order a pizza, and pick the best place to fill up your car… right from your touchscreen! Uconnect® Market is available on select 2019 model year or later vehicles. Descriptive Transcript This video describes the Uconnect Market feature available on select 2019 and 2020 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles. The audio contained in this video consists of voice over with music. Some sound effects that support the visual movement are present, but are not integral to the information contained in the video.

 

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FCA’s All-new Uconnect 5 Global Platform Is the Most Advanced Uconnect System Ever: Powerful, Personalized, Connected and Easy to Use

• Uconnect 5 builds upon a well-established, intuitive user experience (UX) and third-party recognition with Android’s automotive operating system and processing speeds that are five times faster
• Uconnect pioneers personalization with up to five user profiles plus valet mode, reestablishing vehicle preferences and settings with the touch of a button
• Exclusive and customizable home screen allows quick access to frequently used features with one-touch operation
• Uconnect expands Alexa "Home to Car" functionality to include in-vehicle Alexa virtual assistant with natural voice capability and “Car to Home” features
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto make connecting and sharing easy
• New TomTom navigation experience adds popular features for a built-in solution with natural voice capability and Maps Over The Air (MOTA)
• SiriusXM’s 360L and new Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora available
• Simultaneous dual-phone connectivity allows greater flexibility with passengers
• Seamless integration of technology within the vehicle interior combines with card-based screens to provide an updated and refreshed look and feel
• Firmware Over The Air (FOTA) seamlessly loads improved software updates to the vehicle
• Improvements in Uconnect system software, strategy and hardware reduce distracted driving
• Most screen area ever offered in an FCA product at 12.3 inches supports up to 15 million pixels in Ultra HD
• New Uconnect system features global capability for vehicle owners in more than 150 countries

January 27, 2020 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Uconnect experience is expanding its functionality outside of the vehicle itself. The all-new Uconnect 5 is more connected, helpful, content rich and adds greater personalization, making it the most advanced Uconnect system ever. With future growth in mind, the advanced Uconnect 5 architecture is now scalable across all FCA brands and preps for the integration of advanced technology. Additionally, Uconnect 5’s Android operating system lays a foundation, bringing access to a broad catalog of applications to answer the rapidly developing demand for an improved user experience (UX).

Personalization
Personalization is one of the attractive features related to consumer products and the Android operating system has created a nearly infinite landscape of opportunity.

Desirable for both novice and experts alike, the all-new Uconnect 5 features several fully customizable interfaces storing up to five different user profiles. Each customer can build their own profile, featuring preferences for music and vehicle operation. The system also connects vehicle-side systems to a driver’s profile, such as temperature, seating position and mirror placement. Switching between user profiles is simple and can be handled by a single touch.

User Experience (UX)
UX is a significant reason for purchase and Uconnect 5 responds by providing an easy-to-use, intuitive and personalized experience for every customer. The UX design team worked hand in hand with the interior and color and material design teams to seamlessly integrate the new technology into each vehicle and make appropriate use of the three available screen styles – portrait, square and landscape. To integrate screens inside the vehicle, UX designers created detailed backdrops to match interior colors and themes. Screen graphics are specific to brand and even vehicle trim level. Surface integration also plays a role and coordinates with the surrounding interior materials. Care is taken with screen edges, location, angle and depth for proper viewing.

The all-new Uconnect 5 allows users to create an exclusive home screen with a familiar feel. Similar to specific icon placement on a mobile phone or computer, customers can personalize the Uconnect home screen with frequently used features for quick and easy access, featuring one-touch operation.

Uconnect 5 introduces a new, card-based format that allows display screens to be personalized, simplified and grouped by individual needs and interests while delivering a cleaner, fresher look. With multiple cards, the user can access the available features and determine how and where they are displayed. Once inside a card, information and icons can be accessed in no more than two button pushes.

Powerful
The Uconnect performance upgrade starts with hardware. The system processing power, reaction speed and memory have been enhanced to take advantage of the new Android operating system. The Atlantis architecture replaces Powernet as the next generation of FCA core in-vehicle electronics communication. In combination with an upgraded 50K MIPS chip, 6GB of RAM and up to 64GB of flash memory, the all-new Uconnect 5 delivers operating speeds that are five times faster when compared to the previous generation. Faster processing speeds, an advanced electrical architecture and more memory give the all-new Uconnect its lightning-quick response to touchscreen input.

Additional outputs enable up to four displays in the vehicle. Screens are available in a variety of aspect ratios, standard, landscape and portrait, offering more flexibility in packaging and design across all FCA brands. With up to 15 million pixels in Ultra HD, screens can work separately or in harmony, depending on user preference and purpose. The all-new Uconnect 5 also represents the most screen area ever offered in an FCA product at up to 12.3 inches.

Alexa
With the Uconnect skill for Alexa, customers with Alexa-enabled devices at home can easily ask Alexa to start the car, lock/unlock doors and more. Uconnect 5 brings Amazon Alexa directly into the vehicle itself, giving occupants the freedom to interact with Alexa just as they do at home or on a personal device. With Alexa built-in, occupants can ask Alexa to play music, podcasts and audiobooks; add items to their to-do list; check news, weather, traffic, sports and other real-time information; and access tens of thousands of Alexa skills. Responses and streaming audio are delivered through the vehicle’s audio system, allowing anyone in the entire vehicle to easily interact with Alexa.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
The award-winning Uconnect system offers new conveniences, keeping customers engaged and informed all while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are currently available on more than 80 percent of FCA’s North American applications. Uconnect 5 will bring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to 100 percent of FCA’s North American offerings. The feature also adds wireless connectivity, allowing customers to wirelessly project phone apps quick and easy, while leaving phones securely stowed.

Voice Recognition
The all-new Uconnect 5 adds exclusive features to the overall system and select features to specific vehicles for the first time with voice recognition available on all product lines. Better control of features in the vehicle with voice is arguably the most important technology to continue improving. Uconnect 5 features a new voice recognition engine with software, microphone technology and natural voice capability. Statements that would normally be only understood in human-to-human conversation can now be used to communicate with the navigation system, such as “Find an available EV charging station near me.” The advanced voice control system also improves its listening ability in high background noise situations, such as a rolled down window or rain hitting the windshield. Additionally, the embedded FCA voice recognition system has a new "wake up word" available that correlates to the brand of the vehicle: “Hey Chrysler, change the temperature to 70 degrees.” This feature eliminates the need to press a button to initiate the voice recognition system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also can be controlled via voice, engaged by pressing the voice recognition button.

Dual-phone Connectivity
The all-new Uconnect 5 features the ability to connect two Bluetooth phones simultaneously. This addresses many users who carry multiple phones or for passenger interaction with the Uconnect system along with the driver. Either way, Uconnect can manage input from two different devices with the ability to name one a priority over the other for various functions, including navigation, phone, music selection and text messages.

Navigation
Uconnect’s all-new advanced navigation is an intuitive built-in solution from TomTom navigation, integrating the latest technology. The Uconnect built-in navigation now includes TomTom’s traffic, EV & connected services, giving drivers the latest information for a safer and smoother journey.

Similar to personal devices, One-Box-Search makes it easy and intuitive to find a destination (search by voice or text). Unlike personal devices, even without internet connectivity, search and guidance continue to work with the system simply switching to offline map data.

Guidance is enhanced with the best possible routing, featuring the ability to add a destination along your route and an ETA that offers alternative routes with time extensions. Destination Prediction enables the system to learn when it is time to prompt the driver with guidance towards one of the user-saved favorite places.

Maps Over the Air and Last Mile Navigation also are new to Uconnect. Maps Over the Air is a TomTom technology which automatically detects, downloads and installs relevant available map updates in the background, without disrupting the navigation experience. Last mile navigation provides walking directions from your vehicle to your final destination, via the Uconnect companion smartphone app.

The built-in navigation links vehicle systems to the route, accomplishing what phone navigation systems cannot. By 2022, FCA will offer more than 30 nameplates with electrified powertrains, half of which are plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) or battery-electric vehicles (BEV), creating the need for charging stations to be integrated with the maps. Dynamic Range Mapping helps the driver to visualize the vehicle’s range by displaying on the map how far they can drive with current fuel/charge levels. If the range is insufficient to make it to the selected destination, Uconnect 5 will make suggestions for recharging /refueling with a cost comparison. A warning appears on-screen, prompting the user to choose a charging point/fuel station which is available and within range.

Multi-lane guidance provides specific lane information and detailed turns to help navigate through complicated intersections and on/off ramps, highlighting the suggested route well ahead of commanded guidance. Uconnect projects this information, as well as speed camera, traffic and hazard warnings to the vehicle’s cluster screen. This feature reduces lateral head movement so drivers can focus their attention on the road.

SiriusXM with 360L
FCA was the first in the industry to offer SiriusXM with 360L and is the only automaker that provides owners with a 12-month trial of the next-generation audio listening experience. The 12-month trial of SiriusXM with 360L includes Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora along with thousands of hours of downloadable content, including live sports, free on-demand shows, performances and interviews.

Services
Uconnect 5 uses a cloud-based platform to power connectivity and deliver a full array of services, including the Uconnect Market in-vehicle commerce platform. The feature gives customers the opportunity to conveniently order food, find the nearest gas station, save money on fuel purchases and make dinner reservations, all from the comfort of the vehicle. With the new platform, FCA owners will be able to skip lines and save time by ordering (and paying for) food and beverages, reserve a table on the way to their favorite restaurant or locate and securely authorize pump-and-pay fuel at participating locations. Drivers can also locate and pay for nearby parking and schedule service appointments at FCA dealerships, all while in the vehicle without having to reach for a physical credit card.

Wi-Fi
4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is improved with a faster operating system. Processing speeds that are five times faster assist in keeping up to eight devices connected. The new software, hardware and operating system take the next evolutional step toward 5G. Uconnect 5 includes a three-month subscription with vehicle purchase.

Uconnect Mobile App
Uconnect’s history began with phone integration and has continued to evolve. With the available Uconnect app, you can use your smartphone to start your engine, lock or unlock your vehicle or receive a notification. Inside the vehicle, SOS Call provides external assistance at the touch of a button. An automatic feature calls for outside assistance if the vehicle senses a crash has taken place. With Assist Call, owners can contact the Uconnect customer care team for help with their vehicle or instructions on using a Uconnect system. Stolen Vehicle Assistance can help police track a vehicle’s location and Family Drive Alerts delivers notifications to concerned parents when boundary, curfew or speed limits are broken. Owners can also receive a notification when someone else drives the vehicle while in Valet Alert mode.

Eyes on the Road
The all-new Uconnect features additional elements to reduce distracted driving. Voice control is improved with new microphone technology and placement. Upgraded software identifies more tone variation and recognizes commands versus background noise, such as wind noise from a window rolled down at speed. Auto dimming and strategic use of warning signals and graphic displays have been tested in real-world driving conditions to cover a wide range of responses from individual drivers. For example, there are redundant audio and visual warnings for an automatic emergency braking event. Auto dimming and night mode on the screen help reduce eye strain when driving in the dark or in tunnels, with independent settings for each screen. For users who prefer touchscreen controls, redundant HVAC, comfort and radio operations within the touchscreen are improved for ease of use and response time.

Firmware Over The Air (FOTA) Updates
Servicing and updating your FCA vehicle has never been easier. In-vehicle messaging will notify owners when an oil change is needed. This and other features work in harmony with the Vehicle Health Report and Vehicle Health Alert to provide the most up-to-date information. For some updates, FOTA will automatically load the improved software to the vehicle, seamlessly. Other services can be handled at your local dealer with a Service Scheduling feature.

Uconnect’s Android operating system brings access to a broad catalog of connected features and the adaptability preps the platform for future growth. In planning for additional automated technology, the all-new Uconnect system takes autonomous driving initiatives into consideration for future products with the addition of a Telematics Box Module (TBM). The TBM assists in quickly moving large amounts of data, engineered for the fastest speeds available. The trusted and secure ecosystem provides an optimal environment for continuous improvement through a built-in cellular network.

UX in the Market
The Uconnect digital platform has become a significant reason for purchase, tailored for each brand, vehicle and region. FCA research has shown that 51 percent of new-car buyers consider in-vehicle technology as part of their purchase. Also, 64 percent of customers reported their technology experience made them more likely to buy from the same brand (Source: 2018 Harris Poll Auto TechCast). The award-winning Uconnect system has led the industry in content and exclusive features since its inception in 2003 and the fifth generation continues the momentum.