FCA Reveals Plans for a New Vehicle Ecosystem
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) recently announced that it’s partnering with HARMAN-Samsung and Google technologies to craft and introduce a new “ecosystem” – read infotainment and tech package – to enhance the connectivity capabilities of FCA vehicles across the globe. The system is intended to manage in-vehicle and exterior data using a cloud-based platform designed by HARMAN-Samsung. User experience will be enhanced thanks to predictive maintenance needs, automatic location of fuel and charging stations, live traffic prompts, restaurant offers, and live customer-care assistance with the push of a single button. Thanks in large part to over-the-air software updates, all owners will always have the latest software applications and will benefit from the newest capabilities.
Once the system is live, owners will enjoy 4G network connectivity tailored for all regions and ready to integrate with any service provider around the world. Vehicles will be equipped to transition to a 5G network as well. The off-board cloud-based system will also have the ability to interact with numerous smart cities’ infrastructure in the future as well as many household devices via the Samsung “Smart Things” platform. Additionally, service providers will also benefit from these features delivered via cloud-based connectivity by providing seamless access and eliminating the need for competition.
The new “ecosystem” will be powered by Android as it offers a strong and intuitive app-based environment that relies on over-the-air updates for fresh content and seamless wireless integration with owners’ mobile devices. Owners will also have access to continuous innovation with feature updates coming through a built-in cellular network. Such technology will make autonomous driving features a reality, including electrification and other connected services.
Electrified vehicles will enjoy this optimal technical environment thanks to applications such as remote battery management, vehicle-to-grid services, and smart EV trip navigator. Additionally, this new “ecosystem” will also support the FCA Mobility Services portfolio, rumored to include features such as usage-based vehicle insurance, peer-to-peer car sharing solutions, pay-by-the-mile options, and short-, medium- and long-term vehicle rentals. Similar pay-as-you-go systems have recently launched in Europe. The “ecosystem” will be unveiled in parts with rollout phases beginning across the globe during the second half of 2019. FCA hopes to connect all vehicles by 2022 to coincide with the completion of its ambitious five-year electrification plans.
Harald Wester, FCA’s Chief Technical Officer, said the following along with the official announcement “By selecting industry leaders such as Samsung and Google, we are making efficient and responsible utilization of capital to provide advanced technological solutions to our customers worldwide. In collaboration with HARMAN-Samsung and Google, we have developed a flexible, easy-to-use and connected ‘ecosystem’ that not only deploys today but is also ready to integrate upcoming innovations.”
Follow University Dodge on social media to stay up to date with the latest FCA news. It’s not hard to see where the automaker is headed for the near future if we just take a look at the 2019 Ram 1500. The existing cutting edge technology of the Ram 1500 combined with the automaker’s latest ecosystem could easily help usher in the latest generation of truck tech. Explore the 2019 Ram 1500 at University Dodge – schedule your test drive today!
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