Chrysler introduces vehicle info app
Chrysler will be the first automaker to introduce vehicle owner-information apps for smartphones.
Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand confirmed the new apps, debuting on Apple iPhones in a few days before moving to Blackberry and Android devices shortly, will only be made available in the U.S. at first. He did concede that other markets were under consideration.
“The app combines owner manual information with product literature and includes detailed feature descriptions, photos and videos,” Gorlier told reporters via a web broadcast this morning.
“There are a variety of categories including information on the vehicle operation, instrument panel information, vehicle maintenance, service contracts, customer assistance, vehicle highlights, frequently asked questions, Mopar parts and accessories and more.”
In addition to providing general vehicle information, Chrysler also announced the creation of an “on-demand channel of communication” with customers to communicate about brands, vehicles and customer service.
The first owner-information app will be available in the next couple of days for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Following the Cherokee, owner-information apps will be made available on future Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep and Ram Truck vehicles in the U.S.
The app will be free and available to everyone, no just current Chrysler customers.
Gorlier says they view the feature as a new opportunity to communicate with potential customers.
The is the latest foray into the digital world for the Pentastar brand. Last year it was the first automaker to replace traditional owner manuals with DVDs and user guides – a move they say saves 930 tons of paper or 20,000 trees annually.
