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Chrysler Group's Uconnect Launches Industry-First Dealer-Activated Navigation System

LAS VEGAS -- Chrysler Group LLC announced Monday at the International CES that its dealers now have the ability to activate navigation functions in vehicles equipped with some versions of its Uconnect navigation and location system.

Uconnect offers navigation capability, but not all customers choose the option at the time of sale.

"Sometimes customers don't realize what they want until they need it," says Marios Zenios, vice president of Uconnect systems and services for Chrysler. "That's fine. We can help. With dealer-activated navigation, we are adopting a 'no-customer-left-behind' attitude."

Dealer-activated navigation, featured here at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show, makes its debut this year. It will be initially available on the 2013 Ram 1500 full-size pickup, SRT Viper and the 2014 Fiat 500L.

Because the necessary hardware already is resident in the vehicle, dealer-activated navigation affords a major convenience over portable devices, which create clutter and require charging or smartphone data plans – or both.

Dealer-activated navigation boasts the same map data as pre-ordered systems, including points of interest, junction views, lane guidance, speed limit information, intersection zoom and trip programming.

In addition, dealer-activated navigation features turn-by-turn audio instructions to further encourage drivers to keep their focus on the task at hand – driving.

Dealer-activated navigation bodes particularly well for used-car buyers, Zenios says.

More at www.chryslergroupllc.com

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