AOL Autos Announces Its Inaugural Technology of the Year Award Winner

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AOL Autos, one of the Internet's leading automotive research and news sites, today announced Chrysler Group’s Uconnect Access as the winner of its Technology of the Year Award at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Announced at CES in 2012, this one-of-a-kind award is designed to give shoppers a clear grasp of which emerging technologies provide a positive or negative impact on the ownership experience and vehicle safety, and separates the truly significant, consumer-beneficial advancements from the hyperbole of "new and better."

“A vehicle’s quality has long been decided on by its design, engine performance, fit and finish, but as technology becomes more prevalent in our lives, this award aims to determine quality by how well in-car connectivity and feature controls work”

“A vehicle’s quality has long been decided on by its design, engine performance, fit and finish, but as technology becomes more prevalent in our lives, this award aims to determine quality by how well in-car connectivity and feature controls work,” said David Kiley, editor-in-chief of AOL Autos. “It’s one thing to conceive a solution to a problem through technology, but Chrysler Group’s Uconnect Access has done it in such a way that drivers find intuitive and easy to use. We’re excited for Chrysler to be the inaugural winner of Technology of the Year and look forward to this year’s new offerings. It should be another great showing.”

Uconnect Access offers one-button emergency assistance, voice-controlled text messaging, the ability to monitor a vehicle’s performance, and a smartphone app that allows locked doors to be opened when keys are locked inside. For drivers who’ve lost track of their vehicles in crowded parking lots, Uconnect Access flashes the headlights. There’s a voice-activated, Bing-powered search app to help locate points of interest, specific destinations, restaurants and gas, as well as an on-demand wireless hot-spot to enjoy connectivity while on the go.

“We’re grateful for this recognition of our efforts to keep the Uconnect system on the forefront of technology while assuring that it is easy to use by the full range of customers,” said Mark Chernoby, Chrysler Group LLC Senior Vice President-Engineering. “Uconnect systems play a vital role in our vehicles because they enable our customers to stay connected while assuring the ability to focus on the most important task, which is driving.”

In November 2012, after extensive evaluation, six Technology of the Year Award finalists were announced in three categories: Telematics: Cadillac Cue and Audi connect with Google Maps Street View; Connectivity: Chrysler Uconnect Access and MyFord Mobile; and Active Safety: Nissan Tire Pressure Alert & Refill System and Honda LaneWatch™. The winner was determined by a panel of 15 expert judges, as well as a poll of nearly 20,000 AOL Autos readers. Among the Technology of the Year’s expert judges were AOL Autos editor-in-chief David Kiley; Autoblog editor-in-chief John Neff; Engadget editor-in-chief Tim Stevens; AOL Autos senior editor Sharon Silke Carty; Autoblog executive editor Chris Paukert; Engadget mobile editor Myriam Joire; and AOL Autos contributor Lauren “The Car Coach” Fix.

The award’s panel of expert judges remarked on how well Uconnect Access features, such as the wireless hotspot, voice-activated Bing-powered navigation searches, and phone pairing, operated. Chrysler Group’s system, upgraded for the 2013 Ram 1500 and SRT Viper, beat out five other finalists and more than thirty original qualified nominees of new or substantially upgraded technology available in vehicles on sale between September 1, 2011 and September 30, 2012.

To give readers a chance to try the Chrysler Group’s Uconnect Access, AOL Autos will give away a 2013 Dodge Dart Limited equipped with Uconnect. For a chance to win the Uconnect-equipped Dodge Dart, and additional details, visit Autos.AOL.com/Sweepstakes between now and January 25 by 5pm EST to register. A winner will be publicly announced in February.

About AOL:

AOL Inc. (NYSE: AOL) is a brand company, committed to continuously innovating, growing, and investing in brands and experiences that inform, entertain, and connect the world. The home of a world-class collection of premium brands, AOL creates original content that engages audiences on a local and global scale. We help marketers connect with these audiences through effective and engaging digital advertising solutions.

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Mopar, SRT and Fiat vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group’s culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat’s complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group’s product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler, all-new Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.