Chrysler Shows New Technology Concept At NAIAS

Chrysler Shows New Technology Concept At NAIAS

Chrysler will show a technology-laden concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show. The concept is still in development but will likely be the next evolution in the company's UConnect system. The system, first introduced in the 2008 model year, provides Internet connectivity inside the vehicle.

The system integrates with the driver's smartphone to located and unlock the car, start it, adjust the seats and radio and set the inside temperature. The system can also located and disable the car if it is stolen.

Chrysler is also moving forward with user-customizable gauges, a feature that many manufacturers have been experimenting with in both concept and production vehicles. Ford recently introduced a new dashboard in the Fusion hybrid that tracks driving habits and provides feedback to help a driver improve fuel economy. Honda has also committed to putting the EcoAssist dashboard, a similar feature, into the new Insight hybrid.

In addition, the concept includes voice-controlled navigation, music downloads from the Internet, hands-free calling and voice-controlled route mapping. In addition, the navigation system provides real-time traffic and weather updates, and fuel economy guidance. The concept also includes a small personal computer that stows away in the dashboard, and can also be handed off to passengers.