Next-Generation Telematics Systems Provide Convenient and Personalized In-Vehicle Content and Mobility

Digital Music Will Soon Be Available at the Touch of a Button or Using Voice Commands Thanks to Telematics Solutions from Continental Automotive Systems

FRANKFURT, Germany and GENEVA, March 6 -- Telematics solutions from the Automotive Systems Division of international automotive supplier Continental AG will make the wireless connection of portable devices, like MP3 players and PDAs, even easier and more convenient. Continental Automotive Systems, whose integrated Bluetooth and telematics systems have already been installed in more than twelve million vehicles, is designing intelligent electronics that will wirelessly connect portable devices and external digital content to the car enabling drivers to access their personal music collection in new ways while on the move. Not only will drivers have the ability to conduct hands-free mobile phone calls but they also will be able to play digital music in their car and access songs using voice commands, controls in the steering wheel or instrument panel. The next- generation Continental Automotive Systems telematics products in development will be adaptable to future wireless technologies and standards by software updates, making it easier to stay connected to the latest devices.

Bluetooth and voice recognition: both hands on the wheel

The new Continental Automotive Systems telematics systems create an in- vehicle communications network that rapidly integrates portable devices and digital content into cars. For instance, in the case of digital music, hands stay on the steering wheel and eyes stay on the road. Digital music can be transferred via Bluetooth wireless technology or USB connection. The USB connection also can charge the device's battery simultaneously. The driver can navigate through the device's menu using voice commands or by pushbutton control in the same way he currently operates a permanently installed CD player. So, for example, he can navigate playback lists or specifically choose individual songs in the memory of the MP3 player, PDA or cell phone.

Greater comfort and convenience when phoning

Continental Automotive Systems' telematics systems also wirelessly download a mobile phone's address book into the car, support personalized ringtones and stored speed dialing numbers, use text-to-speech to read incoming short messages (SMS) aloud if desired and allows up to twelve Bluetooth phones to be connected to the system. If a mobile phone call is initiated outside the car and is to be continued in the car, the telematics unit automatically transfers the call without interruption to the car's hands- free system when the ignition is switched on. Alternatively, a phone module for service and assistance functions and mobile internet access can be built into the telematics unit.

"Continental Automotive Systems recognizes that development cycles in the field of consumer electronics are much shorter than in the automotive industry," comments Kieran O`Sullivan, Head of Continental Automotive Systems Telematics business unit. "Future portable devices can be supported by new software updates or new hardware components." The telematics solutions also recognize the needs of the car manufacturers in that these components can be combined into a wireless communications gateway which can be integrated into the car and connected up to its networks.

The Continental Corporation is a leading automotive supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers. In 2006 the corporation realized sales of euro 14.9 billion. At present it has a worldwide workforce of around 85,000.

As a worldwide leading technology partner to the automotive industry, the Automotive Systems Division of Continental AG integrates extensive know-how and uncompromising quality in the fields of driving safety, embedded telematics and hands-free communication systems, powertrain and comfort. In 2006 the Division achieved sales of approximately euro 6 billion with a workforce of more than 30,000. Continental Automotive Systems develops and produces electronic and hydraulic brake, stability and chassis control systems, electronic air suspension systems, sensors, engine management and transmission control systems, hybrid drives, cooling fan modules, body and security electronics and also is the industry leader of embedded telematics and communication systems in vehicles.