Press Kit: 2014 Ram Cargo Van

2014 Ram Trucks Deliver Easy-to-use Communications, Navigation and Entertainment Features to Keep Drivers Informed, Connected and Productive

  • A suite of Uconnect Access services, including Uconnect Access Via Mobile (late availability) are available on the 2014 Ram Truck vehicle lineup
  • With Uconnect Access Via Mobile, drivers can listen to and control their personal Aha, iHeart Radio, Slacker and Pandora Internet radio accounts via the Uconnect system’s 8.4-inch touchscreen display (late availability)
  • Uconnect Access includes a suite of connected services, including Wi-Fi hotspot capability
  • Ram Truck owners can manage their Uconnect Access services directly from the vehicle’s 8.4-inch touchscreen display or via the web
  • Voice-recognition technology, steering-wheel controls, touchscreen displays and traditional controls provide Ram customers with a variety of ways to interact with their mobile phones, music, navigation system and Uconnect Access Services
  • Ram trucks available with a premium, customizable, full-color 7-inch multiview vehicle information center
  • Addition of Powernet vehicle electrical architecture system allows content with improved data speeds
  • 2014 Ram ProMaster delivers connectivity conveniently and comfortably
Auburn Hills, Mich. September 9, 2013 - The 2014 Ram Truck lineup offers a truckload of innovative, segment-exclusive features and services, adding to an already best-in-class interior. For 2014, Ram Truck offers the latest Uconnect systems, with an available six- or 12-month Uconnect Access trial, in addition to a trial of Uconnect Access Via Mobile (late availability), which enables drivers to listen to and control their personal Aha, iHeartRadio, Pandora and Slacker Internet radio accounts via the 8.4-inch touchscreen display.

Smart Uconnect system
Two Uconnect systems are offered to provide Ram Truck 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 Truck customers with multiple ways to stay connected. Drivers can use the voice recognition technology to place handsfree phone calls, control their music or send a text message. There are a variety of ways to access digital music content, including SiriusXM Radio, access to a SD, USB and 3.5 mm auxiliary input in the media console, and all are 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 Truck customers with multiple handsfree ways to stay entertained in their truck.
 
Entertainment features
HD Radio, SiriusXM Radio and a variety of ways to access digital music, including SD, USB and 3.5 mm auxiliary inputs as well as a remote USB port in the media console, all come standard. Also, an optional CD player is located in the lower storage bin of the center console.

Navigation features
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 system features enhanced graphics and a one-step voice entry system so Ram Truck customers can easily say the address and navigate on the go.

SiriusXM Travel Link
SiriusXM Travel Link provides information and entertainment. SiriusXM Travel Link can be operated via voice and provides premium data services and information to make every trip more efficient. Services include:
  • 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
  • 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.

Uconnect Access: A suite of connected services
The Uconnect 8.4A and 8.4AN provide Ram Truck owners with an included 6- or 12-month trial of Uconnect Access Services. A variety of services leverage a built-in wireless connection. With the Uconnect Access app, users can remotely lock or unlock doors or start their vehicles via the web or smartphone application.

The Uconnect system includes a 911 button on the rearview mirror for a direct connection to emergency services. An ASSIST button also is integrated into the rearview mirror to summon help directly from a roadside assistance provider or connect with Chrysler Group’s Vehicle Customer Care Center.

With their hands on the wheel, Ram Truck customers also can use Uconnect Access to tap the power of the cloud. When a compatible (check UconnectPhone.com for device compatibility) Bluetooth mobile phone with the Message Access Profile (MAP) is paired, Uconnect Access will:
  • Announce receipt of incoming texts
  • Identify the senders
  • “Read” the messages aloud
To respond or compose any new text, drivers need to simply dictate a message of 140 characters or less. The cloud-based voice-recognition system converts spoken words to text and “reads” it back for accuracy before sending verbatim. And it can all be done handsfree, without having to memorize any preapproved messages.

Drivers unsure of their destination can use voice commands to engage the new Uconnect Access Yelp connected search service and simply say what they are looking for.

En route, passengers also can check e-mail or browse news sites. On Demand 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. Passengers can purchase Wi-Fi for a day, week or month.

Uconnect Access Via Mobile
The Ram Truck vehicle lineup includes Uconnect Access Via Mobile (late availability), an extension of Chrysler Group’s suite of Uconnect Access services. Uconnect Access Via Mobile offers an easy-to-learn interface and easy-to-view 8.4-inch touchscreen that allows customers to enjoy their personal Internet radio accounts and stream audio content using their own mobile device data plans. The result: a truly personalized listening experience.

Uconnect Access Via Mobile seamlessly brings four popular Internet radio apps into the Ram truck lineup. They are: Aha by Harman, iHeartRadio, Pandora and Slacker. Like all Uconnect-brand features, it is designed to be easy to learn and easy to use.

With Pandora, for instance, customers can register their preferences by hitting the app’s familiar buttons – “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” – which are displayed on the available 8.4-inch touchscreen.
In addition, unique steering-wheel controls enable song skipping.

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 services, without having to replace their factory installed Uconnect systems. Uconnect Access services 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.

A variety of ways to control your content
Uconnect’s 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 Truck 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 Radio, AM/FM radio, and HD radio 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 senders
  • 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.

7-inch multiview display
Filling the gauge cluster in front of the driver is an available 7-inch, color, premium multiview display, featuring a customizable function that enables Ram customers to personalize information inside the instrument cluster. Ram’s 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 2014 Ram Truck vehicle lineup 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
Powernet electrical architecture
As Ram Truck continues to offer more content, it has created the need for a technology that allows more information to be electronically communicated within the truck. The Powernet system 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 Chrysler Group’s Uconnect Access services. The integrated wireless services enhance the driving experience by providing a “connected” experience. The services delivered through the partnership are easy to learn, easy to use and will provide a seamless experience with the Ram Truck owner’s digital life. An increasing number of features in the 2014 Ram Truck vehicle lineup 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.


Contact Information

Nick Cappa
Office: (248) 512-4266
Cell: (248) 202-8039
Alyse Nagode
Office: (248) 512-1446
Cell: (248) 421-5541
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