New Products from Pioneer Reduce the Stress of Driving

LAS VEGAS--Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today launched a new line of in-car audio, video and navigation products that ease the stress of driving in today’s hectic environment. Statistics show that commuter drive times are increasing incrementally each year at the same time that consumers are becoming more dependent on 24/7 access to technology. The resulting demand for technology integration into the car is solved with new gear from Pioneer that easily connects the driver to a number of portable devices from an iPod video unit to a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone.

“There are millions of drivers on the road each day in the U.S., desperate to stay connected to essential information and entertainment. Imagine how difficult it would be to manage a 60-minute commute without access to a cell phone, music, news or the big game,” said Larry Rougas, vice president of marketing and product planning for mobile entertainment at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

A recent study from the U.S. Census Bureau predicts that Americans will spend 50 percent of their time in 2007 consuming some type of media. Based on Department of Transportation statistics, about 10 percent of that time is in the car. Pioneer makes it more convenient to access information in the car with connectivity to multiple devices.

-- Business People: Working professionals rely on access to voice mail even when they are on the road. Pioneer offers connectivity to Bluetooth-enabled cell phones that operate through the car’s stereo system. When the phone rings, the stereo mutes so the call can be answered. When used with a navigation system, voice commands can be used to access the address book from the cell phone to easily place calls while driving. Even with a longer commute, time in the car becomes more productive by retaining the connection to the office.

-- All Drivers: Any driver can get stressed when they are unsure of where they are or how to get to their final destination. Pioneer navigation systems connect drivers to traffic information, route guidance and the ability to locate specific types of businesses like ATMs or gas stations. This helps put the driver in control of the situation – easing stress and making the drive easier.

-- Music Lovers: For times when traffic is simply unavoidable, there is stress relief with the ability to listen to great music. Pioneer stereos offer iPod Direct, USB connectors, Bluetooth compatibility and auxiliary inputs allowing users to connect to almost any music device on the market. Tuners for both XM® and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio work with all new Pioneer car stereos. Speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers can be added to almost any vehicle to enhance the audio quality, particularly for those consumers who listen to compressed audio.

Two new in-dash navigation system, two audio/video players and 14 new car stereos offer a range of connectivity that meet the needs of almost any driver.

Pioneer’s Mobile Entertainment Division is known for offering the kind of in-car products that make driving easier by offering high quality audio and video, advanced connectivity and ease-of-use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and competitors. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Premier brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years for Premier electronic products.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including Blu-ray Disc and DVD, display technologies, navigation and Digital Network Entertainment.™