Andrew Adds Bumper Communications Options to New "Baby Jag"

    ORLAND PARK, Ill.--March 5, 2001--Andrew Corporation announced that automobile manufacturer Jaguar Cars will use four Andrew antennas to enhance the communications and safety features of the new Jaguar X Type sedan. Popularly known as the "Baby Jag," the X Type will have a concealed Andrew (GSM900/1800 for Europe or AMPS/PCS for USA) bumper-mounted antenna system to provide clear RF signal for the in-car digital phone system. An Andrew glass-mounted cellular antenna and internal GPS antenna system will carry the signals for the car's JaguarNet Assist system. The JaguarNet Assist system automatically notifies a Jaguar Service Center if the vehicle's air bag system is deployed, or the system can be used manually in the event of a breakdown. The GPS tracking system pinpoints the vehicle's location (to within a meter) and emergency services are alerted.
    "As is to be expected, Jaguar's design criteria were stringent," said Rob Wood, European Business Development Manager for Andrew Corporation's wireless and in-building products group. "The GSM/PCN antenna needed to work well on both 900 and 1800 MHz GSM frequencies as well as on AMPS/PCS frequencies in the USA. Jaguar will launch the car in Europe in June 2001 and the USA in July 2001. At the same time, the antenna had to be in a concealed position so that it would not spoil the elegant lines of the X Type."
    Positioning the cellular antenna on a vehicle is crucial to its performance because metal disrupts the RF signal. Discussions between the Andrew telematics design team and Jaguar's styling and telematics engineers resulted in mounting the antenna behind the X Type's integrated rear bumper, which is formed from a composite material. This enabled a strong signal transmission for the in-car phone and better reception for in-car phone conversations.
    The criteria for placing the JaguarNet Assist antenna on the vehicle were subtly different. "Because these antennas play a critical part in emergency recovery purposes, we wanted to locate the JaguarNet Assist antenna out of the impact zone. After extensive testing the rear screen was considered the best location," added Rob Wood.
    JaguarNet Assist and phone systems are available as options on the Jaguar X Type. The new vehicle will offer 2.5 V6 or 3.0-litre V6 engines delivering 240 hp and has standard four-wheel drive. Talking recently about the new "Baby Jag," Jaguar CEO Wolfgang Reitzle said, "With this car and its unique style, we will appeal to people who would never previously have taken a second look at the Jaguar brand before. " The Jaguar X Type will be shown at the Geneva Auto Show in March 2001.