At CES 2015, FCA, the new name for the Fiat-Chrysler group, is showing off its new UConnect smartphone app. With the new app, Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep owners will be able to schedule a health report, locate their cars with their phones, and send destinations to the navigation system remotely.
The vehicle health report is a monthly email showing the status of your car's engine, transmission, suspension and fluid levels. The car can also send an alert for any critical maintenance issues that need immediate attention.
The app will also show you the location of your car -- useful if you're in a busy parking lot or if you've loaned it out. Most useful, you can use the app to search for a destination, then send it to the car. The next time you get in, the navigation system will have that location saved and ready to go.
These new services and app connectivity only work with FCA vehicles fitted with the UConnect 8.4A or 8.4AN head units, each of which feature a large 8.4-inch touchscreen in the dashboard. FCA notes that the new services will only be available on select 2015 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models with the UConnect head unit.
The app connectivity joins existing data-connected services in UConnect, such as Yelp, stolen vehicle tracking, Pandora and iHeartRadio.
Models from GM, Ford and other automakers have previously offered similar services, so in this instance, FCA is keeping up with the competition.