Siemens VDO Automotive Cockpit Study Shows Future Operating Concept

    FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 14 An increasing number of
interactive functions will be available to the motorist in the near future.
Staying true to the guiding principle of ensuring future cockpits remain easy
to use, Siemens VDO Automotive AG is unveiling its latest cockpit study called
Pure Vision 2.0 at the 59th Frankfurt Motor Show.  The study will detail how
cockpit technical possibilities and driver ergonomic demands can be
reconciled.

    Driving is becoming more comfortable and convenient with the introduction
of multimedia and telematics applications.  Today's luxury class vehicle
driver can adjust or select up to 700 functions and settings, creating
increased demand on the human-machine interface.

    The next generation of these interfaces must make all information and
communication possibilities easily accessible, so they make a contribution to
active safety with minimum distraction to the driver.  The Siemens VDO
Automotive cockpit study Pure Vision 2.0 demonstrates that future vehicle
cockpits do not have to distract the driver's attention from the road with a
large number of screens and buttons.

    The central elements of Pure Vision 2.0 are a large 10-inch display in the
middle of the cockpit along with the controller, a programmable haptic rotary
control knob developed by Siemens VDO Automotive.  The controller serves as
the central operating element through which a majority of menu functions are
selected.  The functions with the highest priority -- such as volume -- can be
reached directly.  If the driver wants to select a sub-function, such as
setting the interior temperature to 20 degrees Celsius, it only requires that
the controller be turned until the words "air conditioning" are highlighted on
the display.  To select a function, one must only press the same controller.

    Practically all the comfort and convenience functions of a modern car can
be selected via the haptic controller, such as navigation, multimedia and air
conditioning systems and lighting settings.

    This operating element is made particularly comfortable by the haptic
feedback.  An electric motor allows increasing or decreasing resistance on the
rotation of the control knob.  For example, the level of volume can be
simulated by a variation in the force required to turn the control, promoting
intuitive operation with minimum distraction.

    The display with the Siemens VDO Automotive innovative backwall projection
minimizes the installation space required and creates new degrees of design
freedom, as the monitor can be adapted to the surface curvature of the cockpit
without the image appearing distorted.  No matter from which angle the driver
or passengers view the monitor, the display is legible always appearing with
high color brilliant and high contrast.

    With Pure Vision 2.0, Siemens VDO Automotive demonstrates that design
possibilities will continue to evolve.  A new ventilation concept, for
instance, will allow air outlets to be completely eliminated.  Air controlling
the climate of the cabin will enter through a gap between the cockpit mount
and body resulting in improved styling.

    Further design concepts being developed include the crescent steering
wheel which allows instruments to be arranged above one another for an
unhindered view of the cluster.

    In this configuration, the human eye finds information more quickly,
providing further enhancements to road safety.

    Siemens VDO Automotive also is making a contribution to lightweight
construction.  The high level of integration in the cockpit means that very
few electrical conductors are required inside the cockpit.  Conductors for the
vehicle connections will be embedded directly in the foamed plastic body of
the cockpit.  This "no-wire" concept eliminates the need for insulating the
leads, significantly reducing weight and size.

    The cockpit study stems from a background of high system competence.  With
Siemens VDO Automotive, the international automotive industry has an
experienced partner for cockpit systems who is capable of overseeing the
entire product creation process from design and prototyping, development and
construction through to the just-in-time delivery to the car manufacturer's
assembly line.

    Siemens VDO Automotive is one of the world's leading suppliers of
electronics, electrical and mechatronic technologies to the automotive
industry.  As a development partner in the automotive industry, the company
manufactures products for powertrain, engine control electronics and fuel
injection technology which improve engine performance and reduce emissions.

    The company is a market leader in information and car communication
systems with instrumentation, audio and navigation systems, telematics and
multimedia applications, through to complete cockpits.  Siemens VDO Automotive
products for chassis and carbody contribute to greater vehicle safety and
security.  These products include ABS and fuel tank systems and access control
systems.  A separate Trading/After Market division markets products for
retrofitting in cars and commercial vehicles.  The company was created in
April 2001 as a result of the merger between Siemens Automotive and Mannesmann
VDO.