Press Kit: 2013 Ram Heavy Duty

Auburn Hills, Mich. September 26, 2012 - The 2013 Ram Heavy Duty and Chassis Cab lineup offers a truckload of innovative, segment-exclusive technology, adding all-new features to an already best-in-class interior. New for the 2013, Ram offers the next-generation radio platform, which features Uconnect Access, a more powerful, in-vehicle connectivity system.

“Our Uconnect systems have received accolades from the automotive and consumer electronics industry because they are easy to learn, easy to use, responsive and accurate,” said Marios Zenios, Vice President, Uconnect Systems and Services — Chrysler Group LLC. “We established these pillars as the foundation for Uconnect Access.

“Customers are provided with multiple ways to connect to portable devices, content, services and applications while remaining focused on the driving,” added Zenios.

New, smart Uconnect system
Building upon base radio capability, two new Uconnect systems are offered to provide Ram customers with a range of features and connectivity options to best suit their needs, including:

• Uconnect 8.4A — features an 8.4-inch color touchscreen and offers customers the flexibility to purchase navigation after the vehicle sale. The system also provides Ram customers with multiple ways to connect their truck – SiriusXM Radio, voice recognition technology to provide handsfree operation of mobile phones, music and texting and a variety of ways to access digital music content including SD, USB and 3.5 mm auxiliary input in the media console – all standard. Also, an optional CD player is located in the lower storage bin of the center console.
• Uconnect 8.4AN — features an 8.4-inch color touchscreen with standard navigation and provides Ram customers with multiple ways to connect their truck – HD Radio, SiriusXM Radio, SiriusXM Travel Link and SiriusXM Traffic; voice recognition technology to provide handsfree operation of mobile phones, music, texting and navigation and a variety of ways to access digital music content including SD, USB and 3.5 mm auxiliary inputs as well as a remote USB port in the media console – all standard. Also, an optional CD player is located in the lower storage bin of the center console.

Uconnect Access: A powerful new platform that provides multiple ways to connect
The Uconnect 8.4A and 8.4AN provide Ram truck owners with a built-in wireless connection allowing vehicle occupants automatic connection to a variety of new services. Users can remotely lock or unlock doors or start their vehicles from any distance via the web or a smartphone application. The new Uconnect system includes a 911 button on the rear-view mirror for a direct connection to emergency services. An ASSIST button also is integrated into the rear-view mirror to summon help directly from a roadside assistance provider or connect with Chrysler Group’s Vehicle Customer Care Center.

Ram truck owners will be able to access select, certified in-vehicle applications. Driving-relevant applications will be introduced over time and are designed specifically for in-vehicle use. The certified applications are easily controlled with natural voice recognition or steering wheel controls to keep drivers focused on the road. The responsive 8.4-inch touchscreen includes the award-winning user interface designed by Chrysler Group Human Machine Interface engineers, featuring large icons and visual cues allowing consumers intuitive control of system features.

En route, passengers also can check e-mail or browse news sites. Wi-Fi hotspot capability enabled by Uconnect Access provides in-cabin wireless Internet connectivity via laptop, tablet or smartphone, whether on the move or at the worksite.

Uconnect systems are always current
Ram Truck owners will be confident to know their truck is designed to be forward-thinking, providing the freedom to upgrade to the latest features and services, without having to replace their factory installed Uconnect systems. Applications are updatable over the air and are downloaded directly to the Uconnect 8.4A and 8.4AN systems, keeping features current. Ram truck owners will be able to continually evolve their in-vehicle connectivity experience by downloading application updates or new applications as they become available directly to the Uconnect 8.4A and 8.4AN systems from inside the car, via the 8.4-inch touchscreen.

The new Uconnect Access system features best-in-class functionality, integrating new entertainment content, including the first time Ram has offered HD radio to its customers. Ram owners also will have access to SiriusXM, handsfree mobile phone operation, handsfree navigation, handsfree texting with compatible phones and handsfree control of music. Additionally, new connected services and applications provide real-time access to information and content that Ram customers want and need while on the road. Uconnect is designed to provide drivers and passengers with relevant, focused and contextual information that is not distracting and easy to use, allowing drivers to remain focused on the road.

Also enhancing driver convenience, Uconnect features one-step voice command of navigation, the ability to check real-time fuel prices and listen and respond to text messages, combined with familiar knobs for climate and comfort controls.

A variety of ways to control your content
Uconnect Access controls are placed on the steering wheel. Customer research has shown a preference towards audio controls located at the rear of the steering wheel and Ram was the first truck manufacturer to integrate these rocker switches for ease of use. Audio system controls, including next station, radio preset and previous station or track, are located on the left. Volume up or down and change audio source are located on the right. This means Ram Truck drivers can keep their hands on the wheel while they enjoy a variety of entertainment content sources.

Voice Command
The available Uconnect Voice Command is a voice-activated communication system that allows drivers to control their mobile phone, music and navigation system while staying focused on driving. When a compatible Bluetooth mobile phone is initially connected to the system, the phone book within a mobile phone is automatically downloaded, synchronizing as many as 1,000 phone book entries, which can then be selected by simply saying a contact name. The feature also allows drivers to switch radio modes, tune to SiriusXM, AM, FM, and HD and request real-time information (such as fuel prices) from the available SiriusXM Travel Link using natural voice commands. The handsfree option promotes driver focus, freedom, value and flexibility.

Bluetooth-equipped cell phones also feature Message Access Profile (MAP) with advanced text-messaging:

• Announces receipt of a text message
• Audibly identifies sender
• Reads the message

This industry-first voice recognition system uses the embedded connectivity to access cloud-based voice-recognition and enable advanced text messaging, which converts the spoken word into verbatim text messages. Communication is limited only by the user’s vocabulary.

SiriusXM Radio
Ram is the first in the automotive industry to offer its customers an expanded channel lineup from SiriusXM with new exclusive programming. The new programming spans commercial-free music, plus sports and comedy, including Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Radio, Tiësto’s Club Life Radio featuring music created and curated by electronic dance music superstar DJ and producer Tiësto, ESPN’s SportsCenter, UCB Radio featuring underground sketch and stand-up, improv comedy from Upright Citizens Brigade, and Carlin’s Corner featuring albums, concerts and comedy from the archives of the legendary George Carlin, as well as SiriusXM Latino, which delivers the most comprehensive Latin programming available in radio today. The SiriusXM Latino offering includes 20 channels of the most comprehensive Latin programming lineup available to radio listeners, including 10 exclusive commercial-free music channels covering a deep selection of music genres, plus content from leading providers of Spanish-language sports, news, talk and entertainment, including ESPN Deportes Radio, MLB en Español, multiple Deportes En Vivo channels which will carry Spanish-language play-by-play of NFL games, an expanded lineup of MLB games, professional sports as well as major college programs; RadioFormula México, CNN en Español, and Cristina Radio featuring iconic talk show host Cristina Saralegui. Ram customers receive a 12-month SiriusXM Premier subscription, included when purchasing a satellite-radio-equipped 2013 Ram.

Sophisticated navigation system
The Uconnect 8.4A offers customers the flexibility to purchase navigation either at or after the vehicle sale. The Uconnect 8.4AN offers navigation standard including 3D imagery of landmarks, city models and digital terrain. Both Uconnect systems utilize the large, 8.4-inch screen to deliver directions, lane guidance and points of interest. Directions are given audibly and also appear in the vehicle information center – so information is available when the driver needs it. The updated system features enhanced graphics and a one-step voice entry system so Ram customers can easily say the address and navigate on the go.

SiriusXM Travel Link
SiriusXM provides information and entertainment. SiriusXM Travel Link can be operated via voice and is available on vehicles with the Uconnect 8.4AN. Travel Link provides premium data services and information to make every trip more efficient and includes:

• Weather: shows coast-to-coast weather data, current conditions and five-day forecasts, detailed storm cell information, hurricane and tropical storm tracking, local wind speeds and even ski resort conditions
• Fuel Prices: lists prices, locations and distance to more than 120,000 fuel stations across the United States, and can have the navigation system route to a selected fuel station location. The feature also can search for fuel grade pricing for gasoline or diesel
• Sports: in-game and final scores and weekly schedules from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, golf, college football and basketball
• Movies: uses listings from more than 4,500 movie theaters across the United States to help consumers plan movie times, theater addresses, ratings, and run lengths ahead of time. Passengers also may have the navigation system set a route to a selected theater location

SiriusXM Traffic
SiriusXM Traffic works with the vehicle’s navigation system to display traffic speed and flow information along with accident information to assist drivers in routing around congested areas.

Media console offers a variety of options
Neatly integrated within the upper storage tier of the center console, a new multimedia input includes USB, SD card and auxiliary connections. The USB allows control of iPod or other media device through the large touchscreen displays and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. A more powerful 2.5-amp, USB port and 12-volt outlet also provide mobile recharging for electronic devices. In addition, MP3 and WMA audio files on a USB memory device may also be played and controlled via the Uconnect system.

New 7-inch multiview display
Filling the gauge cluster in front of the driver is an available 7-inch, color, premium multiview display, featuring a new customizable function that enables Ram customers to personalize information inside the instrument cluster. Ram’s new information display is designed to visually communicate information, using graphics and text, quickly and easily.

The multiview display offers drivers a wide range of customization options, from a basic digital speed read out to specific vehicle status information. Operation of the display is clearly communicated to users with easy-to-understand icons and instructions. Using buttons on the steering wheel, drivers can customize the screen with as much or as little information as they desire. The system is intuitive and can be arranged for a variety of views. Up to three analog vehicle status gauges can be added to the display. The main screens found inside the instrument cluster menu are: digital speed, engine hours, vehicle information and fuel economy, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) levels, trailer-tow information, audio, stored messages and screen customization. Additionally, the four corners of the display can be customized to show information at a glance, including current fuel economy, outside temperature, time and compass direction.

Once a main screen is chosen, it becomes the default setting, remembering the user’s selection upon restarting the truck. Vehicle concerns are instantly reported to the driver via pop-up warning messages on the display. Text warning messages are automatically stored so a driver can review the message at their convenience.

Alpine premium audio systems
The 2013 Ram Heavy Duty offers an audiophile-quality audio system to immerse passengers in premium sound. Using Alpine high-performance speakers and an advanced digital signal processing (DSP) amplifier, the optional Alpine 10-speaker premium audio system includes:

• A 12-channel amplifier with advanced DSP for 7.1-adapted surround sound
• Three 3.5-inch speakers located in the instrument panel
• Two 6 x 9-inch speakers located in the front doors
• Two 2.5-inch rear surround speakers located in the headliner
• Two 6 x 9-inch speakers located in the rear doors
• One 8-inch dual voice coil (DVC) subwoofer positioned in a sealed enclosure under the rear seat

All-new Powernet electrical architecture
As Ram continues to offer more content, it created the need for a technology that allows more information to be electronically communicated within the truck. The new Powernet system, used for the first time on a Ram Heavy Duty and Chassis Cab trucks, allows both high- and low-speed data networks to be equipped with as many as 40 individual modules, all designed to improve vehicle performance and enhance the comfort and safety of driver and passengers. Within the Powernet high-speed network, each module (e.g., electronic stability control) processes its individual data and transmits the appropriate commands within the vehicle to activate any additional systems (e.g. anti-lock brake system and cruise control). Uconnect leverages Powernet to deliver fast response time, and share critical information between the 8.4-inch touchscreen and the vehicle information center. The Powernet architecture also is the backbone that supports the Uconnect Access services and applications, including the Ram truck health report and remote services.

Sprint provides wireless platform for Uconnect Access
Sprint is the strategic wireless partner for the next-generation Uconnect Access system. The integrated wireless technology enhances the driving experience by offering new connected services and applications. The services delivered through the partnership will be easy to learn, easy to use and will offer a seamless experience with the Ram owner’s digital life. An increasing number of features in the new Ram Heavy Duty and Chassis Cab trucks will rely on enhanced user interfaces including voice capabilities and commands to help limit driving distractions and keep the focus on the primary driving task.