Following the unveiling of the Blue&Me Nav telematic solution at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, Fiat Group Automobiles and Microsoft Corp continue their innovative partnership by offering the award-winning Blue&Me solution for the latest Fiat car model -- the Fiat 500. Blue&Me will be available as a standard feature in all top-end Fiat 500 versions and will be offered as an option in the entry-level 500 model at a competitive price. The 500 will be made available first in Italy, with further availability in the German and UK markets by the end of 2007.

Blue&Me enables the seamless connection and integration of a wide range of mass storage devices and mobile phones. Drivers and passengers can plug-in their digital music players via a USB port and connect their mobile phones wirelessly over Bluetooth. These devices can then be operated by using either the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel or via the driver's voice commands, enabling a hands-free infotainment experience while safely driving. Blue&Me is also a flexible and updatable infotainment solution which therefore easily keeps pace with the latest market innovations.

The partnership between Microsoft and Fiat was initiated nearly three years ago and has seen the telematics solution rolled out across the Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Iveco and Lancia ranges. The partnership has also garnered several industry awards for innovation, including the "Excellence in Technology of the Year Award for European Automotive Telematics and Infotainment market" from Frost & Sullivan, the "Telematic Update of Detroit", which recognised Blue&Me as the best telematics solution of the year and the "Eurostars 2006" prize from Automotive News Europe. The Fiat 500 will be the latest model to incorporate this award-winning technology.

"Microsoft and Fiat have worked closely to achieve a goal to transform the driving experience through connecting drivers seamlessly and safely to the people, information and audio entertainment they care about while they are on the road," said Carmelo Morgano, manager of the Microsoft Automotive Business Unit, Europe.
 

"With the 500, Fiat is further demonstrating its hallmark combination of innovation and style. Microsoft will continue to deliver and further develop innovative technology such as Blue&Me, which guarantees an outstanding combination of intuitive, hands-free navigation, communications and entertainment features."

Giuseppe Bonollo, vice president of Product Portfolio Management at Fiat, said, "Following our launches of the Grande Punto and Bravo, Blue&Me has been a critical component in delivering competitive advantage and building upon our strengths. Nearly three years after we launched Blue&Me globally, it still enjoys a significant competitive advantage, both in terms of product offerings and pricing. Blue&Me remains the most cost-effective and adaptable in-car telematic system ever made. The launch of the Fiat 500 will be another chapter in our successful partnership with Microsoft."

Since 1995, Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit has worked collaboratively with the auto industry to deliver technology designed for advanced in-car information, navigation and entertainment systems. By extending its knowledge of software for use in the car to Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs, Microsoft is able to deliver the easiest, most convenient and most productive software designed specifically to help people take their connected lifestyle with them wherever they go. In addition to offering consumers an alternative means to experience in-car connectivity, Microsoft will continue to provide the automotive industry with its advanced telematics platform, Microsoft Auto. Microsoft technology is on the road today in 61 pre-installed and aftermarket devices from 18 world-class automakers and suppliers, including BMW, Citroen, Clarion Co. Ltd., DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, NexTech, Subaru, Toyota and Volvo.