Siemens VDO Automotive Technology Takes Hollywood Futuristic Hotrods From the Big Screen to the Street Scene

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 26 Siemens VDO Automotive's advanced electronic technologies enable the features only seen on futuristic Hollywood hotrods, such as the Lexus seen in the sci-fi summer thriller Minority Report, to hit the streets. Navigation and guidance and personalized driver and vehicle information solutions developed by Siemens VDO are making things previously thought of as sci-fi fly for original equipment manufacturers' (OEM) next-generation of vehicles.

Siemens VDO Automotive is targeting as early as 2003 to deliver an infotainment system capable of processing more than 500 voice commands. Using language databases developed by map providers and the navigation system processing all necessary computer operation, destinations will be able to be directly called up with no initial need for special voice recognition hardware. By 2006, company innovators expect it will be possible for drivers to interact with their automobiles in connected sentences (natural language).

Personalizing Your Vehicle Through JAVA

One of the solutions allowing futuristic driver information features to jump off the big screen and onto the street scene is Siemens VDO Automotive's recently developed modular, Java-based software platform for faster integration of next-generation communication technologies. The flexibility of the Java Internet programming language platform combined with the company's structured display and control concepts enables a high degree of personalization and adaptation to meet the individual preferences of today's demanding driver.

The integration of driver information and communication technologies, such as infotainment systems and on-board Internet links, represents a growing opportunity for automobile manufacturers and suppliers, as they appear on an increasing number of vehicle applications -- not just in the movies. Siemens VDO Automotive sees the demand for navigation and car infotainment growing from 3.4 billion to 5.3 billion Euro in the Western European market over the next five years.

However, integrating the many functions and capabilities of these systems may be easy for movie special effects artists, but it is a significant challenge for automotive engineers. Today, advanced infotainment systems can calculate long, involved routes, access traffic information through off-board services, provide concierge services and include digital radio reception, cellular phone and wireless communication links.

Displaying Information In New Ways

Another enabler of futuristic features, while addressing the challenge of minimizing driver distraction while accessing information, is Siemens VDO Automotive's driver information display solutions. The company has been making strides on the packaging and display of driver information since the early 1990s, pursuing the development of the optimal human-machine interface design.

One solution Siemens VDO Automotive will soon manufacture to augment traditional instrument clusters located behind the steering wheel is a Head-Up Display (HUD) in the driver's line of sight. Information, such as speed, navigation information and urgent warning messages will be displayed on the windshield in a manner that appears to be hovering in front of the vehicle, in the same focal point required for driving.

Minimizing driver distraction through enhanced display solutions also promotes the personalization of driver information. Frequently used menu items can be individually designed, saved and set for further reduction of distraction. Siemens aspires personalization of a driver's preferences and structuring of information unique to the vehicle operator may not only encourage a safer driving environment, but also makes traveling a more enjoyable experience.

Accessing driver information displayed on the HUD, instrument cluster or center console can be done from the steering wheel or a central ergonomic controller. Frequently required actions relevant to daily travel can be performed from the steering wheel, while more detailed, randomly used features can be engaged through the central controller. In addition, Siemens VDO has developed barrel keys to make it possible to implement menu-driven control concepts from the steering wheel.

Siemens VDO Automotive is a tier-one supplier of automotive electronic/electrical systems and components with applications covering gasoline and diesel powertrain systems, safety and chassis systems, body electronics and interior and infotainment. Worldwide sales reflecting partial fiscal year 2000/2001 totaled $5.0 billion.

Siemens AG , headquartered in Munich, is a leading global electronics and engineering company. It employs more than 450,000 people in 193 countries and reported worldwide sales in excess of $72.7 billion in fiscal 2001 (10/1/00 - 9/30/01).

The United States is Siemens' largest market, with 77,000 employees and sales of more than $18.9 billion in fiscal 2001. Siemens is a leading provider of advanced technology solutions in the information and communications, medical, power, automation and control, transportation and lighting sectors, and leverages its global network of innovation and unparalleled technological heritage to deliver business results for Siemens' customers around the globe. For more information about Siemens in the U.S., go to www.usa.siemens.com .

On Jan. 1, 2002, Siemens Automotive Corp. and VDO North America merged to form Siemens VDO Automotive in the United States. For more information, visit www.usa.siemensvdo.com .