European Auto Industry Embraces New Technologies; Navigation, Bluetooth, & Entertainment Dominate IAA

MINNETONKA, Minn. & SINDELFINGEN, Germany--Oct. 5, 2005--The European automotive industry is looking to electronics and entertainment devices to differentiate their new models, according to Telematics Research Group (TRG), a US and Germany-based automotive research company.

TRG dispatched its researchers at the recently concluded International Auto Show in Frankfurt, Germany. TRG surveyed 225 models, representing 36 brands of light passenger vehicles (not counting the ultra luxury or the super car segment). Here are the highlights from the survey:

NAVIGATION SYSTEMS: Of the 225 production autos on display at IAA, 186 of them featured GPS navigation systems as standard or optional equipment. "Automakers have been more successful at selling navigation systems in Europe than in the US," says TRG analyst Phil Magney. "They have also done a good job of bringing navigation down to the high-volume segment with low-cost solutions.

HANDSFREE PHONES SOLUTIONS: The second most common application of telematics hardware found at the IAA was hands-free interfaces for phone control. Approximately 127 models representing 24 OEM brands offered a handsfree phone interface and 22 auto-makers have begun to support Bluetooth technology. "Many of the new vehicle introductions featured Bluetooth, suggesting automakers are designing this into the vehicle rather than retrofitting existing models."

PREMIUM AUDIO: Audio solutions offered by automakers continue to gain momentum. Most OEMs have partnered with a premium audio brand for audio or infotainment systems. Seventy-four (74) models representing 20 OEMs offered a branded audio solution. "Most new audio solutions support MP3 file formats while some even support WMA formats."

AUDIO DEVICE INTEGRATION: This is the case where automakers are scrambling to keep up with the aftermarket. TRG found 21 models supporting an interface for Apple's iPod. Only a couple of vehicles support USB interfaces but TRG predicts solutions will begin to emerge shortly. TRG saw no current use of Bluetooth for audio streaming but reasons this to be right around the corner as well.

Link to Chart: http://www.telematicsresearch.com/Euro_telematics_availability.JPG

TRG (Telematics Research Group, Inc.) tracks, analyzes and forecasts the market for automotive telematics, wireless, and entertainment options. TRG maintains a global automotive research portal that profiles the options used in hundreds of production vehicles worldwide.

TRG inc. was established in 2001. Its US headquarters are located in Minnetonka, Minnesota and it expanded its operation in January 2004 with the formation of TRG Europe, GmbH located in Sindelfingen, Germany.