FIAT has joined forces with Microsoft to develop a new in-car telematics system.

Called Blue&Me, the system uses the familiar Microsoft computer systems to support a variety of functions, including mobile phones, digital music players and other mobile systems such as Palm Pilots.

It offers security and safety benefits as it is allied to the car’s systems, giving the possibility of voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls.

Blue&Me will be available on the Fiat Grande Punto, Alfa Romeo 159 range, and the Brera and new Spider. Further new models, including Fiat vans, will be available with the system when they are launched.