Sprint Velocity Offers Automakers Customizable Approach to Enhancing New and Existing Telematics and In-Vehicle Communications Systems

Scalable Solution Allows Automakers to Select and Integrate Personalized Features

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – March 27, 2013 – With in-vehicle infotainment, security and convenience features fast becoming a “must-have” experience for drivers everywhere, Sprint (NYSE:S, news, filings) offers automakers a new kind of flexible, customizable solution to complement their existing connected services or to deliver a true end to-end solution. Sprint recently announced its Sprint Velocity^SM solution for vehicle manufacturers at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, expanding what an automaker should expect as it develops, manages and integrates a connected services system.

“With the highly competitive market for in-vehicle communications heating up, the demand is rising for rapid design and mobile integration of systems that the driving public will find compelling,” said Ben Vos, general manager-Sprint Velocity and M2M. “Sprint Velocity transforms mobile integration into a service that can be comprehensive or specifically tailored to the individual manufacturer’s need. Sprint Velocity is about letting automakers choose the type and level of service that best accelerates their connected services development, and helps translate that into increased sales of cars and passenger trucks.”

Sprint’s concept of mobile integration encompasses the wide range of complex factors involved in designing and deploying in-vehicle communications. Going far beyond telematics and connectivity, Sprint Velocity provides deep expertise in navigation and other transportation applications, management of complicated vendor ecosystems and adaptation of communications applications to the driving environment. Sprint Velocity also offers a unique, collaborative approach to the in-vehicle connected experience. Sprint Velocity integrates Sprint’s expertise in the consumer communications market with an automaker’s existing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) approach to create a holistic and customized experience for drivers and passengers. As a result, Sprint Velocity enables auto companies to closely manage costs while creating a high-quality, loyalty-building customer experience.

Whether it’s music, news, weather, sports and other infotainment features, security, navigation, remote connections for mobile devices, emergency services or engine diagnostics, Sprint sources the very best providers and manages the entire process for the automaker. Automakers seeking a comprehensive solution can work through Sprint as a single point of contact for engineering and development, and Sprint handles the rest.

For example, Chrysler Group formed a strategic relationship with Sprint to introduce a suite of new connected services called Uconnect Access. Chrysler Group’s Uconnect Access services are available on the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2013 Ram 1500 pickup and 2013 SRT Viper. Vehicle owners must register with Uconnect Access to take advantage of the six- or 12-month trial included with available services. Sprint contributes network, mobile integration and consumer market expertise for Uconnect Access.

Sprint Velocity can support modular “a la carte” solutions designed to address specific requirements for a particular automaker or vendor need. For example, Sprint Velocity plays an integral role in providing connectivity support for solutions used by two major auto manufacturers:

·         Sprint Velocity helps support Hyundai’s Blue Link connected vehicle program, which seamlessly incorporates safety and security, entertainment, productivity and convenience features. Blue Link features capabilities such as automated crash notification, SOS assistance and stolen vehicle recovery.

·         American Honda also relies on Sprint’s flexible network capabilities as part of Honda’s new electric vehicle smartphone app. HondaLink EV^TM is offered to customers of the all-new Honda Fit EV.

Whether turnkey or a la carte, Sprint Velocity solutions are available to all automakers and fully proprietary to each auto OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). Sprint Velocity provides the advantages of Sprint’s:

·         open approach to telematics and in-vehicle communications,

·         network-agnostic, best-in-class telematics capability,

·         agile, adaptable and scalable solutions,

·         global capacity to integrate with multiple network providers worldwide, and

·         deep expertise in consumer communications, helping automakers develop ongoing relationships with their wireless customers through CRM, lifecycle management and a consumer subscription model.

View Sprint Velocity video.

Sprint’s M2M leadership has earned prestigious third-party validation, including the  Connected World’s 2013 CW 100 list of the most important and influential providers of M2M services for the ninth straight year, and the Machina Research M2M Leaderboard, where Sprint ranks ninth among the top 20 global mobile network operators (MNOs). Sprint also was honored as a key technology enabler in two Connected World Value Awards in 2012. To learn more about Sprint’s M2M offerings, visit www.sprint.com/m2m.

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 55 million customers at the end of 2012 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The American Customer Satisfaction Index rated Sprint No. 1 among all national carriers in customer satisfaction and most improved, across all 47 industries, during the last four years. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in both its 2011 and 2012 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.