High-tech communications for Ritmo

Integrated communications and entertainment systems are, to most car-makers, a big part of the future of the industry.

And, through a co-operative venture harnessing the resources of Microsoft, Fiat and Magneti Marelli -- a high technology subsidiary of Fiat -- a new system that brings electronic interfacing into more affordable market segments is on the way to Australia.

Developed as a new benchmark for automotive telematic systems, the technology will be seen here for the first time when Fiat introduces its Ritmo model in February this year (more here).

Dubbed Blue&Me, the basic system is a "seamless blend of in-car entertainment and communications" that has already been taken up by more than 250,000 buyers since it was launched in Europe during 2006.

The basic system has been expanded to include three further SatNav versions including Nav, Map and EcoDrive, which advises the driver on how to cut emissions and fuel consumption with real-time information on current driving style.

The Blue&Me system will be standard on top versions of the Ritmo and the new Fiat 500 due to be introduced here in March this year.

So far Blue&Me has been taken up by more than 20 per cent of Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Fiat and Fiat commercial vehicle buyers, while seven out of ten Fiat 500s sold incorporate the system as standard.

The Blue&Me systems went on display at the Consumer Electronics show -- the world's largest -- which opened in Las Vegas for three days from January 7 this year.

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