Chrysler Vehicle Communications System-"Take-It-Anywhere"

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 25 -- Chrysler Group announced today new details of its vehicle communication strategy for North America, including an innovative entry that embraces Bluetooth technology and uses the customer's personal mobile phone.

Building on Mercedes-Benz's pioneering Tele Aid Telematics solution, Chrysler Group's offering focuses on voice and data communication tools in the automobile, with an emphasis on personal mobility and consumer choice. The company recognizes the need for in-vehicle solutions which meet the specific needs of its customers in both the luxury and volume production markets.

In an auto industry first, Chrysler Group will offer a hands-free, voice recognition communications system that provides mobility for the customer. Unlike competitive offerings, the system's communication is driven through a user's wireless phone, and works inside and outside the vehicle. This promotes a flexible, ``take-it-anywhere'' sense of freedom, so the customer is not tied only to the car or truck.

Additional customer benefits of the system include:

• Consumers can use their current carrier and telephone number, or sign up for enhanced carrier services with AT&T Wireless (it's hassle-free by providing one phone, one phone number and one bill);
• Customers pay only for the services they want (it's adaptable to specific needs and lifestyles);
• Allows multiple phones to work within a specific vehicle's system (up to five phones); and
• Provides multilingual (English, Spanish and French) and multi-voice recognition.

The communication system will be available in an aftermarket version in the spring of 2002, with factory-installed availability in early 2003.

``Chrysler Group's hands-free system is an affordable, easy-to-use solution and enables each individual customer to have just one communication device with one telephone number. It's technology that is in touch with the customer,'' said Wolfgang Bernhard, Chrysler Group Chief Operating Officer. ``Simply put, Chrysler Group's strategy places an emphasis on creating a safe driving environment, while enabling customers to choose the services they want. It's all about safety, freedom and flexibility.''

Consumers will be able to experience hands-free calling using voice recognition commands -- just by bringing a mobile telephone into the vehicle environment. The communication device will be controlled and operated by a simplified hardware set-up, consisting of a receiver module located behind the dashboard, an embedded microphone in the rearview mirror and a customer's mobile telephone.

Upon entering the vehicle, the mobile phone connects to the vehicle's electrical architecture using Bluetooth technology. Once the system is engaged, the phone audio is fed through the vehicle's existing speaker system, overriding the radio.

In an effort to ensure safe driving while using the hands-free system, the Chrysler Group's offering requires only the push of a button to make or complete a telephone call. All other functions are voice activated. Calls are placed either by voice, digit-specific dialing or by accessing the system's audio address book, which can be customized by the user.

In addition to the basic in-vehicle voice recognition, the Chrysler Group solution will also offer optional information services via an AT&T Wireless carrier subscription.

Through internal customer research and benchmarking, DaimlerChrysler has determined that two distinct business models are the best strategic approach to provide state-of-the-art vehicle technology for the specific needs of its customers. Mercedes-Benz customers will continue to receive services from its pioneering Tele Aid system.

Launched in 1999, Tele Aid is a combination safety, security and communications system that can notify police of an emergency, offer roadside assistance, track a stolen vehicle, and provide concierge services, among many other features. In addition, with the COMAND system, consumers can even create a personalized web site that provides them with data specific to their interests and lifestyles.

Chrysler Group consumers are looking for flexibility and more specific solutions to their in-vehicle communication needs. Above all -- consumers want flexible services that match their specific lifestyles, and the ability to adopt continuing advancements in technology.

In addition, DaimlerChrysler's telematics strategy for North America will continue to search for ways to lower development costs by sharing engineering and technology-related criteria -- where appropriate -- across both business models. This includes the utilization of AT&T Wireless as it's preferred wireless carrier.

The Chrysler Group also emphasized its commitment to using Bluetooth Technology as a means of supercharging the speed of in-vehicle communications. Bluetooth, a short-range wireless technology that enables different devices to connect with each other, without cables or wires, is an inexpensive, highly- flexible technology that opens the door to many mobile communications possibilities.

``Bluetooth Technology is becoming the de-facto standard in the wireless industry,'' said Don Boerema, Senior Vice President of AT&T Wireless. ``As its development progresses, the technology will become as acceptable to the consumer as 'amps' or 'Broadband,' while also becoming more affordable.''

The Chrysler Group recognizes the safety concerns related to driver distraction, added Bernhard. In fact, the company is part of a joint government/industry effort to help develop industry guidelines related to focused driving. While new technologies pose new issues, driver distraction has been a concern since the introduction of the automobile. When designed properly, the company believes new telematics applications can create an automobile environment where personal connectivity and safety go hand-in-hand.