Fiat’s New Global Connected Vehicle Ecosystem

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced that it will utilize HARMAN (Samsung) and Google technologies to deliver a new “ecosystem that will enhance the connected life of FCA vehicle owners globally.”

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 the button. Vehicles can also receive over-the-air (OTA) software updates, ensuring owners benefit from new capabilities and the latest software applications.

The 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. The 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.

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. 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.” – Chief Technical Officer, FCA, Harald Wester.

“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.” – President and CEO of HARMAN, Dinesh Paliwal.

“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. 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.” – VP of Engineering at Google, Patrick Brady.

Bottom Line: Car manufactures will be your new telematics partners.