UConnect to Launch in the Fall on Chrysler Group Vehicles

CHELSEA, Mich., June 12 UConnect, Chrysler Group's in-vehicle, hands-free, voice-activated communications system, will debut this fall as a Mopar accessory, dealer-installed option in selected 2003 model year vehicles.

Chrysler Group will offer the Mopar version of UConnect on the following '03 MY vehicles:

Chrysler - PT Cruiser, 300M, Concorde, Sebring Coupe, Sebring Sedan, Voyager, Town & Country; Dodge - Stratus Coupe, Stratus Sedan, Neon, Intrepid, Caravan, Grand Caravan, Dakota, Durango, Ram; Jeep - Liberty, and Grand Cherokee. The suggested retail price for UConnect will be $299 plus labor.

The Mopar version of UConnect features:

Voice dialing - Voice commands can be used to dial the phone; Audio address book - Enables customers to store 32 personal phone numbers; Audio system mute - Mutes the microphone for privacy; Call transfer - Allows the customer to transfer a call from the vehicle's system to the mobile phone; Communicates in three languages - French, Spanish, English; and Multi-phone recognition - Up to five phones can be used within the vehicle's system. "Mopar is known for equipping and installing Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles with accessory products that fit our consumers' lifestyles," said Christine Cortez, senior vice president, Global Parts and Service Operations. "By offering UConnect through Mopar, our customers will be able to choose a hands-free communication system that is affordable, simple to use and easily installed into their new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle by trained service personnel at our dealerships."

Chrysler Group turned to Peiker acustic, Inc., a supplier of high-quality communication products in both Europe and North America, to provide the hands- free system for UConnect. Peiker's hands-free system consists of a control pad, speaker, microphone, wiring harness and a control module containing voice recognition software and the Bluetooth chipset.

"As a tier one supplier, Peiker acustic is pleased to be involved in the development and manufacturing of this leading-edge technology for the UConnect, Bluetooth hands free system, incorporating also Clarity (CVC) technology," stated Andreas Peiker, president and CEO, Peiker acustic. "With pending legislation in North America, Peiker's main focus is to provide safety and ease of operation for the mobile customer."

Mopar also plans to offer UConnect in the future to customers of past model year Chrysler Group vehicles.

Unlike competitive offerings, the system's communication is driven through a user's wireless phone. Using Bluetooth technology, UConnect is adaptable to specific needs and lifestyles; consumers can use their current carrier and telephone number; or sign-up for enhanced services with AT&T Wireless. (It's hassle-free, using one phone, one phone number and one bill.) UConnect allows multiple phones to be used within the vehicle's system, adapting to an individual or a family.

UConnect incorporates Bluetooth, a short-range wireless technology that enables different devices to connect to each other without cables or wires. It is a low-cost, low-power consumption, highly flexible technology that is expected to be the global standard in the wireless industry. UConnect is the first generation in a family of hands-free, voice-activated, Bluetooth-powered offerings.

The Chrysler Group announced its industry-first vehicle communications system in October 2001. Following the debut this fall as a Mopar dealer- installed option, a second UConnect product will be launched as a factory- installed option in early 2003. UConnect focuses on voice and data communication tools in the automobile, with an emphasis on personal mobility, affordability and consumer choice.

"We recognize the need for in-vehicle communications solutions that meet the specific needs of our customers in the volume production market," said Cortez. "UConnect is hands-free, which allows our customers to use this service in a safe and responsible way."