Smartphones and Smart Cars From Chrysler Mopar
Chrysler and Mopar have introduced new free smartphone applications that contain useful information about owner's vehicles and creates a new channel of communication among owners and the company.
The new apps allow Chrysler owners to download information regarding their vehicle on to their personal smartphone. The free, available information includes product-feature demonstration videos, vehicle operation, maintenance and warranty information, access to 24-hour roadside assistance and customer care, and the ability to connect with fellow owners via the Chrysler brand on social media web sites. Because the systems are digital, it allows Chrysler to make updates to the "electronic" owner's manual in real time.
"Chrysler's tech-savvy customers appreciate the ability to simplify and manage their life on-the-go," said Olivier Francois, Chrysler Brand CEO at Chrysler Group LLC. "These new apps from Mopar allow owners to easily access information about their vehicle as well as connect with other owners and enthusiasts via social media sites, saving time and organizing the information in one readily-accessible spot, available at their fingertips."
In 2009, Chrysler Group was the first automotive company to replace traditional, bulky owner manuals with DVDs and user guides. In 2010, the company was the first in the automotive industry to offer smartphone vehicle-information applications. Information that used to be stuffed into the glove box is now readily available on the customer's smartphone. Vehicle information apps for the new 2011 Chrysler 200, new 2011 Town & Country and the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 will be available for download to smartphones that operate on the Android platform in mid-January and to iTunes and Blackberry users shortly after.
"Chrysler's new vehicle-information applications are a critical part of our company's customer care initiatives and create a convenient, on-demand channel of communication with our customers," said Pietro Gorlier, president of Mopar service, parts and customer care at Chrysler Group. "These apps are a source of information for owners and potential owners to learn about Chrysler products and are a great example of how we can add value to our vehicles and build brand identity."
The vehicle-information apps, developed by Michigan-based Tweddle Group, are designed to support vehicles in the U.S. market. The Chrysler apps will first be available for Android devices and later for BlackBerry and iPhone users on major mobile carriers.
The new Chrysler smartphone vehicle information apps will complement existing user guides and DVDs that are currently provided with each vehicle. Each vehicle-information app allows the consumer to browse 10 functional categories and view detailed topics of interest relative to their specific vehicle.
Key feature categories include vehicle operating instructions, vehicle maintenance schedules, warning lights and controls, warranty information, service contract details, frequently asked questions and customer assistance. Other features and benefits include links to genuine Mopar parts and accessories, Chrysler brand gear and merchandise and the Chrysler Community–which offers links to social media sites. The app also contains high-resolution product information images and videos.
