Garmin said its automotive OEM division will provide in-dash navigation for the MY2011 Chrysler Grand Cherokee. The program marks Garmin’s first major automotive navigation system to be installed at the factory. The system combines Garmin’s user interface into Chrysler’s Uconnect radio that merges technology and content into one 6.5-inch touchscreen display.

“Garmin is uniquely positioned to quickly bring the latest and greatest navigation technology to an in-dash environment – priced at a level that mainstream drivers can afford,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin’s president and chief operating officer. “Being a navigation provider for Chrysler is a significant and long sought-after achievement for our company. We look forward to collaborating with them on this exciting project.”

The collaborative effort puts Garmin’s nüvi-like consumer experience – complete with affordable map updates – into an original equipment, in-dash radio. The navigator includes highly detailed Navteq maps of North America with nearly six million points of interest, as well as many cutting-edge features found in Garmin’s newest portable devices, including lane assist, junction view, speed limit and current speed, “Where Am I?,” spoken street names, and customized vehicle icons.