Stellantis Streamlines Connected Services With Two New Packages
As our phones become more deeply integrated with our cars beyond simply Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the connected services ecosystem has become a labyrinthian mess. Apps for phones and watches allow owners to remotely lock and unlock the vehicle, start or stop its engine, manage electric charge, locate stolen vehicles and more. But these various functions are frequently bundled into multiple packages with different subscription prices and durations.
Stellantis is saying “enough.” Its new tiered connected-services offerings simplify things for its customers, lumping all of these functions into just two packages. And the basic one is free — for 10 years. Available starting this month for new and used purchases and leases, the bundle is also available for existing owners of compatible vehicles.
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Connect One
Stellantis is calling the basic connected-services package Connect One. Available for no additional cost, it includes over-the-air software updates, vehicle health reports, service alerts and scheduling, and recall notifications. It can also automatically make emergency calls, allows electric-vehicle owners to manage charging and grants access to in-vehicle games to help passengers pass the time (drivers, too, while EVs juice up their batteries). Basic navigation and digital key capability, which allows the owner to use a paired smartphone as the vehicle key, are also included, as is the ability to remotely lock and unlock the doors through the brand app.
A three-month trial of that last capability was previously included with the purchase of Stellantis vehicles, and Connect One extends that short-term trial to 10 years. It also doubles the previous vehicle-health and service-scheduling functions from five to 10 years.
Connect Wi-Fi Plus
The step-up connected-services bundle is called Connect Wi-Fi Plus. Buyers and lessees are eligible for a three-month trial if they activate the package within 30 days of purchase or lease, after which Connect Wi-Fi Plus runs $17.99 per month.
Connect Wi-Fi Plus includes a hot spot with unlimited data that’s capable of handling up to eight devices, plus Amazon Alexa Built-In, voice control, and connected navigation with real-time traffic updates and speed camera alerts. It also expands on the basic bundle’s remote vehicle controls with remote start, climate-control operation, and the ability to use the horn and lights to help locate the vehicle in crowded parking lots. If it’s not where you left it, the Plus package’s stolen-vehicle tracking helps you recover it. The package also allows owners to set boundaries and alerts for vehicle speed and location, as well as the hours it is driven, discouraging teenage joyriding and other misuse.
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Availability
Stellantis is rolling out its new connected-services offerings this month for compatible new and used Dodge, Fiat, Jeep and Ram vehicles; Chryslers and Alfa Romeos will follow shortly.
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