HARMAN and Google Technologies to power FCA’s Connected Vehicle Ecosystem

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

Off-board, the system will promptly and securely manage in-vehicle and additional data using an architecture based on the HARMAN Ignite cloud-based platform. 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 global platform will offer owners 4G network connectivity and support the evolution to 5G, is homologated for all regions and will integrate with any service provider around the world. The off-board 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.

On-board, the new system will be powered by Android offering a strong, proven and intuitive app-based environment that provides fresh content via OTA updates, fast interaction and seamless wireless integration with the customer's mobile devices. The trusted and secure system will offer owners continuous innovation and will feature updates through a built-in cellular network, allowing for new capabilities in autonomous driving initiatives, electrification and connected services.

This 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, such as the U-Go system, recently launched by Leasys in Europe.

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.