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Best Buy Adds Clarion to Car Audio Lineup

23 February 1999

Best Buy Adds Clarion to Car Audio Lineup; High Performance Clarion Enhances Brand Image

    MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 22 -- Best Buy Co., Inc. , the
nation's largest consumer electronics retailer, announced today a new
partnership with Clarion Corporation of America (CCA), a world leader in the
car audio and electronics industry. Clarion brand cassette decks, CD players
and changers, amplifiers, speakers and security products will be available at
all of Best Buy locations.
    "Clarion's high performance products appeal to Best Buy's car audio
enthusiast customers who have been widely receptive to the higher-end brands
introduced in the past year," said Phil Schoonover, Senior Vice President --
Merchandising. "Clarion continues to align with Best Buy's techno-savvy
customers, with products like their Windows CE based AutoPC."
    "Because of the significant market shifts in the 12-volt industry, Clarion
needed to find a way to grow our business. This is why we are very excited
about the prospect of reaching millions of new car stereo consumers through
Best Buy," said James E. Minarik, president and CEO, Clarion Corp. of America.
"We believe that Best Buy's aggressive national advertising and promotional
programs will ultimately build awareness and demand for all Clarion products."
    Beginning in April, Best Buy will offer Clarion "main line" car audio in
all 311 retail stores. Best Buy offers custom installation of car audio
equipment by mobile electronics certified program (MECP) technicians at
participating Best Buy stores.
    Clarion Corporation of America (CCA), the headquarters of the Clarion
America's Group with headquarters in Gardena, Calif., was incorporated in
1963.  The company has approximately 3,500 employees engaged in design,
engineering, manufacturing, distribution and sales at 15 locations throughout
the United States, Canada, Mexico and Latin America.  More information on
Clarion Corporation of America can be found at
http://www.clarionmultimedia.com .  CCA is a subsidiary of Clarion Co., Ltd.
of Japan, the world's largest independent manufacturer of car audio and
related products.  Information of Clarion Co., Ltd. can be found at
http://www.clarion.co.jp
    Clarion is the developer and manufacturer of the revolutionary Clarion
AutoPC(TM), which is the first product to integrate car audio, computing
functions, navigation and wireless communications through hands-free voice
activation within the dash of an automobile.  Information on the Clarion
AutoPC, which is powered by the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE operating system,
can be found at http://www.autopc.com
    Minneapolis-based Best Buy Co., Inc. retails name brand consumer
electronics, personal computers, entertainment software and appliances. The
Company strives to improve people's lives by making technology and
entertainment products affordable and easy to use. Best Buy is ranked 199 on
the Fortune 500 with annual revenues of $8.4 billion. The Company operates 311
locations in 36 states. For CDs and DVD movies, visit the Company's on-line
store at http://www.bestbuy.com