Chrysler selects Sprint for embedded Uconnect wireless in 2013 Ram 1500 and SRT Viper
Chrysler’s 2013 Ram 1500 and SRT Viper will launch with Sprint-powered embedded wireless for Uconnect, enabling voice recognition, Wi-Fi and new telematics features.
Chrysler has finalised an agreement with Sprint to supply embedded wireless services for its Uconnect infotainment system, starting with the 2013 Ram 1500 pickup and SRT Viper. The deal brings Sprint’s telematics platform into key Chrysler models from autumn 2012, introducing voice recognition, Wi-Fi connectivity, and expanded in-car services. This collaboration marks a significant step for Chrysler as it seeks to enhance the connected experience for its customers.
Chrysler and Sprint Finalise Embedded Wireless Deal
Features of the Sprint-Powered Uconnect System
The Sprint-powered Uconnect system will allow drivers to use voice commands to compose text messages, search navigation destinations, and control other functions with a single touch. This hands-free interaction aims to improve safety and convenience for drivers and passengers alike. In addition, the integration enables the vehicle to act as a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing occupants to connect their own devices while on the move. This is particularly useful for families or business users who need internet connectivity during travel.
- Voice recognition for composing text messages and entering navigation destinations
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability for passenger devices
- Integrated Bing search for points of interest
- Telematics and remote vehicle services
Navigation searches within the Uconnect system will use Microsoft’s Bing, giving drivers access to a wide range of point-of-interest options. This feature is designed to make it easier for users to find destinations, services, and attractions while on the road. The embedded wireless connection operates independently of customers’ personal mobile carriers, so the system’s features are available regardless of the user’s phone contract or provider.
Chrysler’s Rationale for Choosing Sprint
Chrysler selected Sprint due to its established telematics infrastructure and reputation for network reliability. According to Marios Zenios, head of Uconnect systems and services for Chrysler, the company wanted a partner capable of supporting a wide range of navigation, communication, telematics, and entertainment services. Sprint’s experience in delivering robust wireless solutions for emerging automotive technologies made it an attractive choice for this partnership.
Matt Carter, president of wholesale and emerging solutions at Sprint, emphasised the company’s focus on integrating customer experiences, devices, and underlying platforms to support responsible driving. By working with Chrysler, Sprint aims to further establish itself as a key player in the growing market for connected vehicle services.
Availability and Consumer Packages
The embedded wireless services will debut in the 2013 Ram 1500 and SRT Viper models, both scheduled for launch in autumn 2012. Chrysler has not yet announced the pricing or subscription packages for the wireless services, but has stated that further details will be released closer to the vehicles’ market introduction. Customers interested in the new Uconnect system can expect more information about available service plans and features in the coming months.
Implications for Connected Car Services
The partnership between Chrysler and Sprint signals Chrysler’s intent to expand its connected car offering, keeping pace with rivals such as Ford and General Motors, who have also invested in embedded telematics and infotainment platforms in recent years. For buyers, this development means a broader range of infotainment and telematics functions delivered directly from the factory, eliminating the need for aftermarket hardware or reliance on smartphone tethering. The system’s carrier-neutral design ensures accessibility for all customers, regardless of their existing mobile phone provider.
Sprint’s involvement positions it as a significant player in the automotive connectivity sector, as manufacturers compete to offer more advanced in-car services. The move reflects a wider industry trend towards integrating wireless connectivity and cloud-based services into vehicles, providing drivers and passengers with greater convenience, safety, and access to information. As connected car technology continues to evolve, partnerships like this are likely to become increasingly common, shaping the future of in-car experiences for consumers.
Industry Context and Future Outlook
Chrysler’s collaboration with Sprint comes at a time when automotive manufacturers are increasingly focusing on embedded connectivity as a standard feature in new vehicles. The integration of wireless services is no longer a luxury reserved for high-end models, but is becoming an expectation among consumers seeking enhanced safety, convenience, and entertainment options. As competitors such as Ford and GM continue to develop their own telematics and infotainment systems, Chrysler’s partnership with Sprint helps ensure it remains competitive in this rapidly changing market.
Looking ahead, the success of the Sprint-powered Uconnect system in the 2013 Ram 1500 and SRT Viper could pave the way for broader adoption of embedded wireless services across Chrysler’s vehicle line-up. If well received by consumers, similar technology may appear in future models, further expanding the range of connected features available to drivers and passengers.
The agreement between Chrysler and Sprint marks an important milestone in the evolution of in-car technology, offering customers a more connected and convenient driving experience. The launch of embedded wireless services in the 2013 Ram 1500 and SRT Viper is just the beginning, with further developments expected as the automotive industry continues to embrace digital innovation.
