Chrysler Group LLC Showcases Complete Collection of Infotainment Features in 'Connected' 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan at the Chicago Auto Show

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Feb 08, 2010, 09:00 ET

CHICAGO, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ --

Connected Dodge Grand Caravan features intuitive, life-simplifying technology from Chrysler Group infotainment engineering
Drivers can safely communicate, navigate and select entertainment options using advanced voice recognition controls
Services from FLO TV™, SIRIUS | XM Satellite Radio and Uconnect® keep passengers entertained with live TV, surfing the web and online gaming
Infotainment features work in harmony to safely keep consumers in control and in touch while on the road

A delight for the driver and passengers, Chrysler Group LLC is showcasing the company's available infotainment features on the 2010 Connected Dodge Grand Caravan at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. The technologies displayed in this connected minivan allow drivers to safely communicate, navigate and select entertainment options using advanced voice recognition controls. At the same time, passengers can stay entertained with a multitude of features, including FLO TV™, SIRIUS Satellite Radio™, SIRIUS Backseat TV™ and Uconnect® Web.

"The 'Connected' Dodge Grand Caravan is not a concept or a prototype; every feature highlighted in the vehicle is available for order today," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO—Dodge Car Brand and Senior Vice President—Design, Chrysler Group LLC. "For more than 25 years, the Dodge Grand Caravan has anticipated the needs of our customers and their families, and this connected minivan shows that we plan to stay on the cutting-edge."

The 'Connected' Dodge Grand Caravan is packed with all the latest in communication and entertainment technology. Chrysler Group offers a variety of infotainment options, providing customers with the ability to do more with the automobile than ever before.

"The 'Connected' Dodge Grand Caravan has something for everyone in the family, including a Wi-Fi hotspot, voice recognition and as many as 20 live television channels with FLO TV," said Marios Zenios, Head of Connectivity and Infotainment, Chrysler Group LLC. "With all of our available technology, customers are more likely to hear 'can you drive around the block one more time so I can finish my show?' rather than 'are we there yet?'"

The following available features and options are on display in the 2010 'Connected' Dodge Grand Caravan:

Voice Command

Voice Command enables the driver to place and receive calls hands-free using a Bluetooth enabled phone. This feature allows the driver to select radio stations, choose satellite radio channels, navigation destinations and record memos, hands-free and in control of the vehicle. Voice Command recognizes English, French and Spanish and is capable of learning words for inputting addresses.

Uconnect Media Center

The innovative Uconnect Media Center offers touch screen and voice command for convenient control of the multiple media sources and outputs. Owners can create a personalized in-vehicle media experience with iPod integration, auxiliary jack for MP3 player input, FLO TV, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and SIRIUS Backseat TV. The Media Center also includes a 30-gigabyte hard drive where music, photos and voice messages can be stored via a USB port interface. In addition to navigation software and mapping, the hard drive holds approximately 2,400 songs – more than 150 hours of music. Finally, for the driver who needs efficiency, a voice-memo recorder feature allows convenient reminders up to 3 minutes long.

FLO TV

Chrysler Group LLC is the first automaker in the United States to offer live mobile TV to consumers with the capacity for as many as 20 channels through FLO TV Auto Entertainment. The system offers something for everyone: college and professional sports, breaking news, children's shows, primetime sitcoms, reality TV and daytime dramas, including CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, Fox News, MSNBC, MTV, NBC 2Go, Nickelodeon and more. FLO TV is available on Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Ram vehicles as a Mopar® option. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for FLO TV Auto Entertainment is $629 plus installation and includes a one-year subscription.

Dual-Screen Rear Seat Entertainment and Swivel Screen

Already featuring the industry's most capable and sophisticated second- and third-row rear-seat entertainment system, the Chrysler Group enhances the feature with an exclusive swivel third-row screen to allow passengers facing to the rear of the vehicle, via Chrysler Group's Swivel 'n Go™ seating system, to view the screen. Chrysler's Vehicle Entertainment System includes dual DVD players and screens that deliver a variety of programming choices, with ports to connect games and media players with audio and/or video output capability, including iPods. The driver and front-seat passenger have the ability to access all video sources using Uconnect Media Center and each screen can play something different from a different source. The exclusive Chrysler Group third-row rear-seat swivel screen is available on the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, while the Chrysler Group's Vehicle Entertainment System is available on the Chrysler 300, Sebring, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander and Dodge Charger, Journey, Avenger Nitro and Ram 1500.

SIRIUS Backseat TV

SIRIUS Backseat TV offers customers programming from Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. The system operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and an additional antenna mounted on the vehicle's roof. Programming is displayed on the vehicle's rear-seat video screen while the channel name, program title and rating are displayed on the center stack screen. For added flexibility, rear-seat passengers may enjoy SIRIUS Backseat TV while front-seat occupants listen to SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The system may be operated from the rear-seat entertainment unit or the radio head unit. In addition, when the vehicle is in Park, programming may be displayed on the Uconnect Media Center screen for front-seat viewing. SIRIUS Backseat TV is available for a MSRP of $470, which includes the first year of service, when packaged with Chrysler Group's Rear Seat Entertainment System and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. After the first year, SIRIUS Backseat TV is available for $7 per month when packaged with SIRIUS Satellite Radio ($12.95 per month).

SIRIUS Satellite Radio

SIRIUS Satellite Radio provides Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram customers with more than 120 channels of the best music, entertainment and information coast to coast. SIRIUS Satellite Radio offers more than 60 commercial-free, CD-quality music channels and 60 channels of sports, news, entertainment and children's programming, 24 hours a day. Regional traffic and weather reports also are included with SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Station selection with the radio is easy, using the same familiar method as choosing an AM or FM station. Consumers are able to scan channels or have pre-set buttons for their favorite channels. They can also search both by music category and channel, which will be displayed on the radio screen. SIRIUS Satellite Radio is available on most Chrysler Group vehicles for $195 (suggested retail price), which includes hardware and a one-year subscription to SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

Uconnect Web

Uconnect Web provides high-speed data transfer and flexibility, combining Wi-Fi and 3G cellular connectivity for a new level of wireless technology. The system transforms the vehicle into a "hot spot" to deliver the Internet directly to the vehicle for instant access to Web sites, e-mail, personalized music, online gaming, photo albums and more. The Good Housekeeping Research Institute gave Uconnect Web a 2009 VIP (Very Innovative Product) Award. The U.S. MSRP for the router module is $499. Dealer installation is estimated at $35-50. Autonet Mobile offers wireless Internet account service at $29 a month, available in 12-, 24- and 36-month service plans. There is a one-time $35 service activation fee. Customer support assistance for hardware and service is available.

Uconnect Navigation

Uconnect Navigation combines the features of a Global Positioning System (GPS), points of interest, SIRIUS Traffic and Voice Command. Chrysler Group LLC's Voice Command and touch screen allow easy operation. If the vehicle is in motion, Voice Command will recognize three languages and is capable of learning words for inputting addresses. The robust Points of Interest database makes it easy to find nearby restaurants, shopping, hospitals or other local destinations with. Also avoid traffic jams with SIRIUS Traffic. Uconnect Navigation offers customers reliable, seamless use of what has become a necessary technology.

Uconnect Phone

Uconnect Phone is an in-vehicle, voice-activated communication system that allows you to talk on your Bluetooth compatible phone with your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. The built-in phonebook sync feature automatically downloads as many as 1,000 phone book entries from supported phones, which can then be selected by simply saying their name. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility.

About Chrysler Group LLC

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ram Truck. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

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SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC