2012 Winner: Chrysler Group's Uconnect^®

AOL Autos set out in January 2012 to name our first ever Technology of the Year winner. And we are happy to announce that Chrysler's upgraded Uconnect^® system introduced in the 2013 Ram 1500 and Dodge Viper, and soon to be rolled into the rest of the Chrysler-Ram-Dodge-Jeep lineup, won over both our judging panel, as well as our consumer voters.

After we announced our new award in January 2012, we received more than thirty qualified entries, narrowed it down to six finalists--two each in three categories--and then our winner.

The 2013 version of Uconnect^® was one of two finalists in the "Connectivity" category. Uconnect^® and Ford's MyFord Mobile app that controls many functions of the automaker's electric vehicles were the finalists. Audi's Audi connect with Google Maps and Cadillac's CUE system were the finalists in the "Telematics" category. And Honda's LaneWatchâ„¢ and Nissan's Tire Pressure Alert and Refill System were finalists in the "Active Safety" category.

Judges ranked each of the finalists on the strength of the idea behind the technology, the execution and the value. Chrysler Group's Uconnect^® won out. When we asked our readers to rank the technologies based on our reporting and a video of each technology in action, they too agreed Uconnect^® had scored big.

Congratulations Chrysler!