New Visteon Family Entertainment System Featured In Chevrolet Malibu

DETROIT, April 17 -- Whether you're the driver or the passenger, part of today's automotive experience is a vehicle that delivers dependability, quality and convenience. Visteon accentuates that convenience with its new Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) Family Entertainment System found inside the new extended Chevrolet Malibu Maxx that was unveiled today at the New York Auto Show.

Visteon's consumer and customer research indicates that a tremendous demand exists for this type of multimedia product. "Our rear seat entertainment system is an exciting example of how attuned Visteon and GM are to consumer lifestyles and their automotive technology preferences," said Visteon President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Johnston.

The Visteon team worked closely with GM engineers to ensure the unique console mounted system was durable, easy to operate and visible regardless of rear seat passenger location. The system is fully integrated into the console with a fold-up screen, wireless headsets with automatic shut-off to extend battery life and a wireless infrared remote control that allows rear seat passengers to control the system without leaving their seats.

"The development of this Family Entertainment System was truly a collaborative effort," said Roseann Stevens, vice president and general manager of Visteon's GM Customer Business Group. "We worked hard to help GM bring the first factory-installed Family Entertainment System to market in 2001. The new system design for the Malibu Maxx brought a renewed commitment to delivery, durability and quality."

This new system boasts a seven-inch screen with a 16:9 ratio and can horizontally stretch a 4:3 image to fill the screen. Auxiliary input jacks allow the passengers to plug in external audio and video devices such as games or video cameras. The system also includes rear seat audio controls so the rear seat occupants can view DVD movies as well as listen to other available audio sources (AM, FM, CD, cassette) on the wireless headphones. Because the DVD system is fully integrated into the audio system, the driver can choose to listen to the DVD audio source on the vehicle speakers and has the flexibility to enable or disable rear seat control of the DVD player.

In addition to the attention paid to the active portions of the system, engineers paid close attention to details such as how to store the headphones and remote control to avoid rattle. Research shows consumers react negatively by in-vehicle accessories that rattle while the vehicle is in motion. Visteon verified the two wireless headphones and the remote control could conveniently nest in the rear seat armrest.

"It's attention to detail and collaboration that delivers quality," said Stevens. "This Family Entertainment System considered the smallest details that heavily impact consumer likes and dislikes."

The rapid development of this wireless system demonstrates Visteon's leading-edge technology, customer support and expertise in developing products that withstand the extreme climate and road conditions that vehicles experience.

Visteon Corporation is a leading full-service supplier that delivers consumer-driven technology solutions to automotive manufacturers worldwide and through multiple channels within the global automotive aftermarket. Visteon has about 77,000 employees and a global delivery system of more than 180 technical, manufacturing, sales and service facilities located in 25 countries.