(January 20, 2011) AUBURN HILLS —The Dodge brand and Mopar are making it easier than ever for owners to connect with their vehicles, giving electronic information at their fingertips with a free, new smartphone application.

The new Mopar apps provide vehicle operation, maintenance and warranty information, as well as product feature video demonstrations, connections with fellow owners via the company’s brands on social media sites and access to customer care and 24-hour road-side assistance. Because the system is digital, it also allows Dodge to make updates to the “electronic” owner’s manual in real-time.

"Dodge vehicles feature the latest technology to keep our active customers connected and on the move," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO — Dodge Car Brand. “This is an example of how we are better connecting with our Dodge owners, responding to their needs and growing our relationship with them.”

New Dodge Durango and Charger owners can now download vehicle information applications to select personal smartphones. The new Mopar feature, developed by Michigan-based Tweddle Group, is designed to support vehicles in the U.S. market.

The applications will first be available for iPhone and later for BlackBerry and Android devices on major mobile carriers. Applications for the Avenger, Journey and Grand Caravan will soon be available.

These new Dodge smartphone vehicle information apps will complement existing user guides and DVDs that are currently provided with each vehicle. Each vehicle-information app will allow the consumer to browse functional categories and view detailed topics of interest relative to their specific vehicle.

Key feature categories include product information, vehicle operating instructions, vehicle maintenance schedules, service contract details, warning lights and controls, warranty information and customer assistance. Other features and benefits include links to Mopar parts and accessories, product brand gear and merchandise and social media sites. The app will also contain high-resolution product information images and videos.