Volga Siber in Russia – Russian Federation Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited the car plant on the eve of the production start and took the new car on a test drvie. “It takes off fast and they`ve increased the clearance. It will be fine for our roads,” he said. After seeing the main 300-metre conveyor belt, which utilises a modern overhead assembly line, the Prime Minister highlighted the quality control system which has been introduced at all stages of the car`s creation and production.

Today’s consumers are passionate about staying in touch and want to be connected no matter where they are – home, work, school or vehicle. To focus on the experience and connect customers to the things that matter the most, Chrysler LLC will now bundle innovative consumer technologies under one umbrella name – “uconnect.” The function of the feature is directly in the name – uconnect phone, uconnect tunes, uconnect GPS, uconnect studios and uconnect web.

“We set out to connect customers to the things that matter most to them,” said Deborah Meyer, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer – Chrysler LLC. “The role for ‘uconnect’ in the 2009 model year places the focus on the customer experience and how the features will make their life easier.”

Following are the definitions of the uconnect features.

uconnect phone

What it does: Uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-controlled wireless communication between the occupants’ compatible mobile phones and the vehicle’s onboard receiver. New for 2009, the hands-free system automatically downloads up to 1,000 phone book entries from supported phones. The system also recognizes three languages, and is capable of learning. Voice commands can manage onboard phone book entries, select radio stations and access voice mail. Voice memos can be recorded using the microphone that’s integrated within the rearview mirror. Three memos of up to thirty seconds each can be stored in the system. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility.

Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen, PT Cruiser, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Grand Caravan, Caliber, Challenger, Charger, Dakota, Durango, Journey, Nitro, and Ram; Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander, Compass, Liberty and Patriot

Part of uconnect phone on select Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles is an iPod interface, which allows an iPod to be plugged into the vehicle’s sound system to play music through the vehicle’s speakers, charge/recharge the iPod when the ignition is on, display artists and music choices on the radio and pause play when uconnect phone receives a phone call. The iPod can be controlled through the radio controls and the remote steering wheel switches (if equipped). The system uses a Universal Customer Interface (UCI) connector located either in the glove box or in the center console, depending on vehicle model.

uconnect tunes

What it does: uconnect tunes includes the following features for music, movie and personalized picture display: A 30-gigabyte hard drive for ripping up to 6,700 songs from CD or USB memory devices in compressed format (either MP3, AAC or WMA file formats)
Photos can be loaded onto the hard drive, allowing the customer to personalize the home screen
Movies can be displayed on the screen for entertaining passengers when the vehicle is in Park (as permitted by the state regulations)

Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Grand Caravan, Challenger, Charger, Journey, Nitro and Ram 1500; Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Patriot

uconnect GPS

What it does: uconnect GPS combines the features of uconnect phone and uconnect tunes with navigation and real-time traffic. The system includes an integrated voice recognition system and touch screen for easy operation. The voice recognition system also recognizes more than 100,000 words and can input addresses, which allows the customer to enter destinations while the vehicle is in motion.

Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Grand Caravan, Challenger, Charger, Journey, Nitro and Ram; Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Patriot

uconnect studios

What it does: uconnect studios offer optional SIRIUS Backseat TV, featuring three channels of family TV programming, and optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio, with more than 130 channels of the best music, entertainment and information coast to coast. The systems can be bundled or opted for independently depending upon model availability, and either can be operated from the rear-seat entertainment unit or from the radio head unit.

Chrysler’s uconnect studios offer optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio which provides more than 130 channels, including 69 channels of 100 percent commercial-free music, plus sports, news, talk and entertainment. Station selection with the radio is easy, using the same familiar method as choosing an AM or FM station. Consumers are able to scan channels or have preset buttons for their favorite channels. They can also search both by music category and channel, which is displayed on the radio screen

Availability: SIRIUS Satellite Radio is available on all Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles

Chrysler’s uconnect studios offer optional SIRIUS Backseat TV which features three channels of family TV programming: Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. SIRIUS Backseat TV operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas. Programming is displayed on the vehicle’s second- and/or third-row video screens, and channel name, program title and rating is broadcasted and displayed on the screen. In addition, when the vehicle is in Park, programming can be displayed on the uconnect tunes or uconnect GPS screen for front-seat viewing (as permitted by state regulations). New for 2009 in the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan are larger nine-inch rear-seat video screens that swivel

Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen and Town & Country; Dodge Grand Caravan, Charger, Durango, Journey and Ram 1500; Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee

uconnect web

What it does: The system will provide high-speed data transfer and flexibility, combining WiFi and cellular connectivity for a new level of wireless technology. The system transforms the vehicle into a “hot spot” to deliver the Internet directly to the vehicle, for instant access to Web sites, e-mail, personalized music, online gaming, photo albums, and more.

Availability: Chrysler plans to offer aftermarket in-vehicle “hot-spot” wireless Internet capability through Mopar for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles.

Mopar Launches Industry-first – uconnect web Bringing Wireless Internet Connectivity to Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Consumers

uconnect web, Chrysler LLC’s in-vehicle wireless Internet connectivity system, transforms a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle into a mobile WiFi “hot spot”
Secure and reliable high-speed Internet connectivity enhances the customer experience by providing entertainment and real-time information access to all vehicle passengers
uconnect web, powered by Autonet Mobile, will be available in August as a dealer-installed Mopar accessory

Mopar announced today that it will launch uconnect web, Chrysler LLC’s in-vehicle wireless Internet connectivity for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge consumers in the U.S. uconnect web, powered by Autonet Mobile, delivers continuous Internet connectivity to all vehicle passengers for entertainment and real-time information access on the go.

uconnect web will be available in August as a dealer-installed Mopar Accessory. Mopar is Chrysler LLC’s original equipment parts manufacturer and distributor.

The industry-first technology provides high-speed data transfer, combining WiFi and 3G connectivity. uconnect web transforms the vehicle into a mobile “hot spot,” delivering unlimited, reliable and uninterrupted Internet connectivity for all passengers in and around the vehicle. The “hot spot” connection radius is approximately 100 feet—making it convenient to access the Internet at a soccer field or family picnic.

Wherever cellular service is available, uconnect web enables all vehicle passengers to simultaneously connect with WiFi-enabled devices like a laptop, iPhone, Sony Playstation (PSP), PDA and more to:

access the Internet for e-mail, chat and IM
view streaming movies or television shows
download music and download/upload images
play online games

“Mopar’s uconnect web brings a new level of convenience and technology to our Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles,” said Rob Richard, Director – Mopar Part Sales and Service Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “With uconnect web, all passengers in or near the vehicle are continuously connected to the Internet. They can make dinner reservations, check directions or weather, make online purchases, surf Facebook, MySpace, Disney or Webkinz, watch the latest YouTube videos, upload photos to a Flickr account—all at the same time.”

“uconnect web goes beyond today’s DVD and GPS solutions, letting passengers extend their Internet lifestyle to the car,” said Sterling Pratz, CEO of San Francisco-based Autonet Mobile. “The Internet is the future of in-car entertainment. We’re delighted to be working with Chrysler LLC to deliver the first WiFi Internet access that lets families, business and leisure travelers stay connected.”

The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the router module is $449. Dealer installation is estimated at approximately $35-50. Autonet Mobile offers wireless Internet account service at $29 a month, available in 12-, 24- and 36-month service plans. There is a one-time $35 service activation fee. Customer support assistance for hardware and service is available.

Run over integrated 3G and 2.5G (EVDO, 1xRTT) cellular data networks, the router module with antenna hard-mounts in any vehicle. High-speed Internet access ranges from 400-800 Kbps/sec., with upload speeds averaging 400 Kbps/sec. The WiFi connection is secured with WEP encryption, MAC address restriction or WAN port restriction. Compatible with all operating systems supporting WiFi including Windows, Mac, Linux and Solaris, no special software is required.

The 2008 “DUB Edition” Chrysler 300 Touring and Dodge Charger SXT models will make their debut today at the Atlanta Auto Show. These special “DUB Edition” vehicles may be ordered today at Chrysler and Dodge dealers and will arrive later this spring.

“We know our customers are passionate about their vehicles, so partnering with automotive industry lifestyle gurus at DUB Magazine enables us to offer special-edition vehicles like these through our dealerships,” said Deborah Meyer – Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler LLC. “Loaded with unique interior and exterior features or ‘bling,’ the ‘DUB Edition’ Chrysler 300 Touring and Dodge Charger SXT models make a bold statement.”

Chrome accents complement the intrepid exterior styling of the 2008 “DUB Edition” Chrysler 300 Touring and Dodge Charger SXT vehicles, including chrome mirror caps—a first on a Dodge vehicle—and a MOPAR® chrome honeycomb grille. The “DUB Edition” Chrysler 300 Touring models also feature chrome exterior door handles and side mirror caps. Special “DUB Edition” badges appear in three locations on the exterior of the vehicle: the deck lid and the passenger- and driver-side front doors. In addition, each 2008 “DUB Edition” Dodge Charger SXT also features a body-color spoiler and fog lamps.

Both models are powered by a 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick. All 2008 “DUB Edition” models feature a performance-tuned suspension as well as Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Brake Assist.

Both models are equipped with 20-inch aluminum wheels with 245/45R20 all-season performance tires.

“DUB Edition” Chrysler 300 Touring and Dodge Charger SXT models are available in Inferno Red, Brilliant Black, Bright Silver and Cool Vanilla. The “DUB Edition” Dodge Charger SXT is also available in Dark Titanium.

“Working on a special edition production vehicle with Chrysler and Dodge is a great opportunity for the DUB brand,” said DUB’s President and Co-Founder, Myles Kovacs. “The Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 are hot vehicles to begin with. Once people see the 20-inch wheels and listen to the 13-speaker KICKER surround-sound system, they’ll feel like they’re in a show car, but with a factory-backed warranty.”

Inside, the Dark Slate Gray interior of the 2008 “DUB Edition” Chrysler 300 Touring and Dodge Charger SXT models features leather-trimmed seats, embossed with the notable DUB logo. Premium-weight floor mats are also embossed with the DUB logo. The “DUB Edition” Dodge Charger SXT also features a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob.

A MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System with AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 radio in both models provides cutting-edge entertainment technology. In addition, the 13-speaker KICKER surround-sound system with a 322-watt KICKER amplifier provides excellent sound quality. The “DUB Edition” Dodge Charger SXT also features a 200-watt KICKER subwoofer and the “DUB Edition” Chrysler 300 Touring features a 100-watt KICKER subwoofer.

The limited production run of the 2008 “DUB Edition” Chrysler 300 Touring and Dodge Charger SXT includes 1,385 Chrysler models and 2,180 Dodge models for the U.S. Both models will be built at Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario. Production begins next month and Chrysler and Dodge dealers are now taking orders. MSRP for the 2008 “DUB Edition” Chrysler 300 Touring is $33,140, which includes destination. MSRP for the 2008 “DUB Edition” Dodge Charger SXT is $30,235, which includes destination.

The Chrysler ecoVoyager four-door, four-passenger concept was developed for customers wanting a travel experience on par with a private jet, but without a lot of fancy gadgetry. These customers seek three critical attributes: elegance, simplicity and serenity.

The Chrysler ecoVoyager’s front wheels are driven by an electric motor, with power primarily supplied by a lithium-ion battery pack capable of satisfying a consumer’s typical daily commute of less than 40 miles. The electric motor develops 200 kilowatts (268 horsepower), enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in less than eight seconds. A regenerative braking system captures energy that would normally be lost and returns it to the battery, making the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept a very efficient vehicle.

The Chrysler ecoVoyager takes advantage of a range extender – in this case, a small, advanced hydrogen fuel cell — to extend the vehicle range for longer trips. With this advanced technology, the Chrysler ecoVoyager’s total range is greater than 300 miles, while no emissions – besides water vapour — come from the exhaust along the way.

The all-new Chrysler Grand Voyager promises to be the most luxurious family vehicle ever when it launches in the UK in February 2008.

The new seven-seat 2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager has an all-new exterior and interior design plus an updated range of petrol and diesel engines and boasts more than 30 new features which will help make the new 2008 model the ultimate family car. New features include heated first and second row seats; rear-view interior conversation mirror; a removable torch in the rear quarter panel; electric windows in the power sliding second-row doors; movable LED reading lamps and automatic three-zone climate control for all passengers.

To keep passengers entertained an optional dual-DVD system with two screens is available so second-row passengers can play a game or watch a different film to those in the third row while the MyGIG infotainment system offers MP3 player compatibility, a touch screen and voice-controlled navigation system as well being able to store up to approximately 1600 songs on an integrated 20GB hard drive.

Passenger safety is also well catered for. Traction control and ESP, tire-pressure monitoring, front and all-row side-curtain airbags, as well as seven full-size seats with fixings for three Isofix child seats all come as standard across the range.

Simon Elliott, Managing Director of Chrysler UK Ltd, said: “The 2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager is a firm favourite in the UK and the new model has all the right ingredients to make it the most successful Chrysler ever.

“Thousands of families already enjoy the benefits of the Stow ‘n Go seating system and as yet none of our competitors have been able to answer the one question that all MPV drivers have –
‘where do I put the seats when I don’t need them?’”

The Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system means the 2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager can be transformed from a seven-passenger people carrier to a two-person cargo vehicle in less than 30 seconds. And because all of the seats store in the floor you don’t have to struggle to pull the seats out or find space in the garage to store them.

Simon Elliott added: “Offering the new vehicle, with all its features, refinements and an excellent diesel engine is only half the story. The new Chrysler MPV offers excellent value for money with prices starting from £25,995 – the same price as the previous generation model.

“Chrysler will also be offering the Swivel ‘n Go seating as an option for the first time on the 2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager Limited. This new seating system will help make the 2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager the ultimate family vehicle!”

The Swivel ’n Go seat system features second-row covered floor storage bins and second-row quad seats that swivel 180 degrees to face rearward for conversational seating. A removable table fits between the second and third rows. A one-touch power-stowing third-row seat with power recline can be adjusted into four different positions with a single push of a button.

The 2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager will be available with six-speed automatic transmission and either a 3.8-litre V-6 engine that produces 142 kW (193 hp DIN) at 5,200 rpm and 305 Nm (230 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4,000 rpm, or a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 120 kW (163 hp DIN) at 3,800 rpm and 360 Nm (266 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1800 rpm. Three equipment levels – LX, Touring and Limited will be available and will be priced (on-the-road) as follows:

2.8 CRD LX 6-speed auto £25,995
2.8 CRD Touring 6-speed auto £27,995
2.8 CRD Limited 6-speed auto £32,995
3.8 V6 petrol Limited 6-speed auto £32,995