Delphi Satellite Receiver Innovations Drive Company to Market Leadership
Early Experience Has Paved Way for Introduction of Improved Satellite Radio Technology TROY, Mich., Jan. 28 -- As consumers continue to select satellite radio systems as an alternative to traditional radio, Delphi Corp. is answering the satellite receiver needs of vehicle manufacturers and retailers with innovative solutions to solidify its market leadership position. "From the time the concept of wireless communications and broadcasting was first introduced, Delphi has been at the forefront of development for systems that leverage the advantages of satellite to deliver mobile -- and now portable -- advanced information and entertainment to consumers," said Dr. Robert Schumacher, business line executive for Delphi Delco Electronics Systems wireless products. Delphi has contracts for satellite receiver systems with four global vehicle manufacturers including factory-installed XM receivers for 25 2003 GM vehicles, expanding to 44 GM models by 2004. In addition, Delphi is providing optional Sirius receivers for, as previously announced by DaimlerChrysler, dealer-installed systems on 16 different models and factory-installed systems on three different 2003 Chrysler Group vehicles. Delphi also supplies three commercial vehicle makers and expects business bookings to manufacturers to grow significantly in 2003. For the retail market, the company has delivered more than 100,000 of its Delphi XM SKYFi(TM) receiver systems to retailers, making it the top-selling system since its introduction in late-September 2002. In addition, Delphi and XM expect its new fully portable SKYFi Audio System to drive additional sales in the first half of 2003. Several recent market trends, such as the increase in demand for satellite service, the expanded offering of optional satellite radio receivers for new vehicles as well as strong production forecasts for retail systems like the SKYFi products, are driving further development of satellite applications at Delphi. "We have really just touched the surface of possibilities for satellite technology applications," said Schumacher. "Advanced applications such as real-time traffic, map data, and points of interest as well as two-way communications and streaming video are not too far off." Recent innovations by Delphi include receivers for both Sirius and XM broadcast services that integrate the satellite chipset into the radio head, eliminating the need for a separate receiver box. These next-generation receivers are ready for application and simplify packaging and improve quality while reducing cost. According to Don LaDieu, director of consumer electronics at Delphi Product and Service Solutions, Delphi is also focused on developing enhanced satellite systems for the retail market. "While we focus on increasing our distribution to meet demand for our current Delphi XM SKYFi(TM) line, we are working on developing enhanced Delphi XM SKYFi products as well as other systems that we believe will meet future consumer demands for even more capabilities and functions," LaDieu said. "Satellite's high bandwidth and ubiquitous coverage allows us to push the envelope for delivering options such as location-based information services and streaming entertainment for vehicle manufacturers and the retail market," added Schumacher. Delphi's unmatched capability in providing radio technology for the vehicle helped the company to be the first to market with a factory-installed XM satellite radio receiver on 2002 Cadillac DeVille and Seville models, and the first to market with a fully portable consumer satellite system, the Delphi XM SKYFi(TM) Audio System. For more information about Delphi Corp., please visit the company's media web site at http://www.delphi.com/media .