Continental makes the Fiat Uconnect infotainment system even more attractive for the driver by integrating navigation by TomTom. Premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in the Fiat 500L.
Wetzlar (Germany)/Geneva (Switzerland). The international automotive supplier Continental and Fiat Group Automobiles have integrated navigation by TomTom into their touchscreen infotainment system Uconnect. This new feature will be presented at the Geneva Motor Show for the first time. It includes many of the same technologies as found in TomTom’s industry-leading portable navigation devices, including world-class maps, IQ Routes, voice control and Advanced Lane Guidance. The device also incorporates the acclaimed TomTom user interface. Customers can order it in the new Fiat 500L in the second quarter 2013.
“Infotainment becomes more and more important for vehicles of all classes. The Uconnect system we have developed for Fiat features attractive functions for a digital lifestyle and with the integration of navigation by TomTom, we support Fiat to offer even more appealing infotainment to its customers”, comments Johann Hiebl, head of the Continental business unit Infotainment & Connectivity.
Thanks to Bluetooth and the USB-interface of the Uconnect system, drivers and passengers are able to stream music from digital devices or use the hands free kit. The five inch touchscreen, voice output and speech recognition lets the driver operate the system intuitively. For example, by having text messages read out loud, they can stay in touch without taking their eyes off the road.
“Based on Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive, we have designed the infotainment system as a platform to allow the easy integration of third party software. With the installation of Navigation by TomTom we can now offer the driver true added value in an updatable Infotainment System”, Hiebl explains. “Using an operating system that has a proven track record in the market and is automotive ready helped us keep the research and development costs at a minimum level. This also makes the system more affordable for the driver”, Hiebl concludes.
Infotainment for more eco friendly driving
The system even helps drivers to drive more energy efficiently and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 16%. The Fiat Group’s eco:Drive Live function analyzes driving parameters in real time (acceleration, deceleration, gear shift change and cruise speed) and gives suggestions for more eco friendly driving. Drivers can also upload their data via mobile or USB to the eco:Drive portal and compare their progress to other eco:Drivers.
