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

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Apr 30, 2019, 06:00 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 30, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

FCA to deliver a new global connected “ecosystem” to be featured on all new FCA vehicles by 2022

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

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.

SOURCE FCA US LLC