Ram, a brand of Auburn Hills-based Stellantis, announced it is adding Uconnect 5 to 2022 model year Ram vehicles, providing faster operating speeds, new content, and improved customization for pickups and commercial vehicles.
“A competitive advantage of our Uconnect 5 system lies in its ability to align with customer needs using personalization and unique content for each brand,” says Mamatha Chamarthi, head of software business and product management at Ram. “The features and user experience are tailor-made for Ram trucks and Ram commercial vehicles and will continue to expand with the digitalization of mobility.”
The customizability of the system allows truck drivers to display essential vehicle data. For example, while towing a heavy load up a steep grade in 100-degree temperatures, operators can display the truck’s powertrain temperature and more to monitor performance while pushing the trucks capabilities.
Uconnect 5 also features several different fully customizable interfaces with the ability to store five different user profiles. In the case of a pickup or multi-driver commercial vehicles, each operator can build their own profile, featuring preferences for music and vehicle operation.
The system also connects vehicle-side systems to a driver’s profile, such as temperature, seating position and mirror placement. Switching between user profiles can be handled by a single touch.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also enabled on the system, and through CarPlay, the 12-inch touchscreen option can be fully occupied. It also features a dual phone application where it can manage input from both devices with the ability to name one a priority over the other for various functions, including navigation, music selection and text messages.
Aside from navigation used through smartphone connectivity, Uconnect 5 comes with a built-in solution from TomTom, including traffic and connected services. Maps Over the Air (OTA) and Last Mile Navigation are also available.
Maps OTA feature automatically detects, downloads, and installs relevant available map updates in the background. Last Mile Navigation provides walking directions from your vehicle to your destination, via the Uconnect companion smartphone app.
The system features an advanced voice control system with natural voice capabilities, meaning conversational requests and statements like, “find the closest gas station,” will be recognized. It also works to reduce background noise like open windows or hard rain.
Ram telematics received an upgrade for the 2022 model year, allowing third-party fleet data collection companies to offer monitoring services for fleet owners. Under the direction of the fleet owner, Ram’s new system sends information related to those specific vehicles to the cloud, where it can be collected by assigned third-party companies.
With the available Uconnect app, a smartphone can start the engine, lock or unlock doors, and receive notifications. Another feature is when inside the vehicle, SOS Call provides external assistance at the touch of a button. An automatic feature calls for outside assistance if the vehicle senses a crash has taken place.
