AOL Autos Names Chrysler Group’s Uconnect Access Winner for 2012 Technology of the Year

On January 9th, AOL Autos announced Chrysler Group’s Uconnect Access as the winner of its inaugural Technology of the Year Award at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). A private offsite celebration was held the evening prior to the announcement, where AOL’s CEO Tim Armstrong, and AOL Autos’ Editor-in-Chief, David Kiley, presented the award to Chrysler’s team.

The award program was first announced at CES in 2012, 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,” 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 in a consumer vote which counted as one judge on the panel.

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.

Photo credits from private dinner: Tim Armstrong, Joni Christensen, Head of Marketing, Uconnect, David Kiley, Editor-in-Chief, AOL Autos

Keywords: AOL Autos, Chrysler Group, Chrysler Uconnect, Technology of the Year, Uconnect Access