Panasonic Automotive Systems enhances Chrysler's Uconnect in-vehicle system

Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America is supplying the system control unit that integrates features and functions of Chrysler's Uconnect™ system, according to Allen Kudla, Panasonic's senior vice president for sales and marketing  The Uconnect System is Chrysler's user-friendly approach to today's connected, in-vehicle technology.  From music  to travel destinations and vehicle settings, the Uconnect system intuitively delivers the information that drivers and passengers need immediately and allows drivers to stay focused on the road.

Panasonic, in collaboration with Garmin and Chrysler, provides two different Uconnect offerings — the Uconnect Touch 8.4 (a non-navigation version with an 8.4-inch screen) and the Uconnect Touch 8.4N, an 8.4-inch screen that features a Garmin navigation system.  This system was created as the result of a two-year partnership between Panasonic and Garmin to fully integrate Garmin's capabilities.

"From the beginning of our relationship with Garmin, one of our stated goals was to develop fully featured navigation solutions that set a new standard for ease-of-use and simplicity that would be available at an affordable price point,"  explained Kudla.

Marios Zenios, head of Connectivity and Infotainment for Chrysler Group LLC, added: "Uconnect Touch features world-class functionality and integrates real-time information, multimedia, portable mobile device integration, voice commands and vehicle personalization settings for a safe, efficient and fun trip between destinations. The Uconnect Touch system delivers robust capabilities in a holistic manner that combines new technology with familiar controls, and keeps the driver focused and passengers entertained."

The Uconnect Touch 8.4N, comes complete with Garmin's simple and intuitive user interface, a feature familiar to millions of customers through its consumer navigation product lines.  The new Uconnect Touch system harnesses the Garmin capabilities of more than six million points-of-Interest and local searches. It combines that with Sirius Satellite Radio information, including traffic and Sirius Travel Link weather, fuel prices, movie listings and sports.

"The GPS Navigation from Garmin is recognized by drivers everywhere as the dependable, must-have navigation tool," said Cliff Pemble, Garmin's president and chief operating officer.  "The new radio features Garmin's intuitive user interface, and brings the Garmin consumer experience to a factory installed, integrated entertainment system."

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck and Mopar® vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler's culture of innovation — first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 — and Fiat's complementary technology — from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.

Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, this group of companies has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications – most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin's products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200.  Garmin is a registered trademark of Garmin Ltd.

Based in Peachtree City, Georgia, and with Detroit-area operations located in Southfield, MI, Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America is a division company of Secaucus, New Jersey-based Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. (NYSE: PC) of Osaka, Japan, one of the world's leading developers and producers of innovative digital and other electronic products for consumer, business and industrial use. Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America also acts as the North American operating company of Panasonic¹s Automotive Systems Company, which coordinates global automotive industry systems and components operations. For more information on Panasonic, visit, www.panasonic.com/business/automotive.