Infiniti Previews I30 Concept Car as Rolling Showcase of Technology
8 January 1998
Infiniti Previews I30 Concept Car as Rolling Showcase of TechnologyI30 Features New Microsoft Windows CE-Based Auto PC for Advanced In-car Information and Entertainment LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 -- Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A., today announced a sneak preview of its I30 "Executive Luxury Special Edition (ELSE)," a concept car coming in February which will showcase the most advanced mobile office technology soon to be available on the market, featuring state-of-the-art connectivity, communication, entertainment and performance. At the heart of the I30 Preview vehicle is Microsoft Corp's new Auto PC in-dash automotive computing system, the latest member of its PC Companion line of products. Powered by Windows CE, the Auto PC takes the core Windows CE 2.0 operating system and adds speech recognition, a sporty "car-stereo- sized" visual interface and other car-oriented features to create an information and entertainment device for the automobile. Microsoft is expected to be the first software company to bring a widely supported in-car computing platform to market when the Auto PC becomes available in spring/summer. In the I30 Preview concept car, an enhanced Auto PC-based device has been integrated into a single Clarion AM/FM radio/CD head-unit. It utilizes voice- activation to send and receive e-mail, dial a cell phone, navigate to a specific destination, locate a restaurant or hotel, ask for traffic and weather conditions or change the musical selection on the stereo. All of this is accomplished through a system that allows drivers easy access to information and entertainment while keeping their eyes safely on the road and hands on the wheel. "The Infiniti I30 Preview car is an exciting example of how the most advanced technological innovations can be integrated to make the luxury consumer's driving experience more convenient, productive and enjoyable," said Brad Bradshaw, vice president, marketing, Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. "We hope it provides a glimpse into the future of the automobile." "With broad industry support from companies like the Infiniti Division of Nissan, the Auto PC platform will change the way consumers communicate while in their automobiles," said Harel Kodesh, general manager, consumer appliance group at Microsoft. "We are pleased that the I30 concept car will incorporate the Auto PC platform -- bringing information and entertainment to automobile drivers and passengers in an entirely new, innovative way. This will allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road." The Infiniti I30, with more than 73,000 units sold since its introduction in April 1995, has led Infiniti Division's sales, accounting for more than half of the Division's total sales volume. Noted for its flagship styling, space and performance for around $30,000, the I30 has proven popular with consumers due to its balance of luxury and performance. Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A., is supported by a network of more than 145 retailers. Customer satisfaction has always been a key component of Infiniti's commitment to customer service. Infiniti introduced the Total Ownership Experience (TOE)(R) customer care philosophy as part of its continuing dedication to providing exceptional consumer treatment and service. With TOE, Infiniti is leading the way into the next century. Product and company names herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Or visit the Nissan Online News Bureau at http://www.nissannews.com SOURCE Nissan Motor Corporation