2004 Chrysler Pacifica Debuts With World's First In-Dash, Six-Disc DVD Changer - Mitsubishi Electric Offers Changer to Accommodate Multiple CD Formats

    NORTHVILLE TOWNSHIP, Mich.--June 16, 2003--Mitsubishi Electric today announced it is first to market with an in-dash, six-disc DVD changer for rear-seat entertainment on the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The option hit showrooms in March, 2003.
    Another first is the unit's ability to accommodate several CD/DVD formats: CDs, DVDs, CDRs (self-recorded or downloaded CDs) and CD-RWs (re-writable CDs).
    Mitsubishi Electric developed the changer in response to growing consumer demand for greater convenience and enhancements in rear-seat entertainment. The single-slot changer plays a combination of six CDs and DVDs, and it includes auxiliary ports for video games, camcorders, and digital cameras. It also has a transmitter for wireless headphones.
    Key vehicle engineering benefits are its compact size -- 20mm (about one inch) shorter than those of competitors, and weight -- comparable to Mitsubishi's CD-only changer. Mitsubishi's patented disc handling system, which holds each disc by its center, rather than resting each disc in its own tray, minimizes space needs surrounding the discs and mechanism weight.
    "Fifty percent of all cars and trucks can't package a changer in the instrument panel (IP) because of room needed for air ducts," says Mike Antrim, executive account manager, Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America. "Because ours is so small, Chrysler Group is able to mount it in the IP center stack."
    The mechanisms will be manufactured at the Mitsubishi Sanda Works facility in Sanda, Japan. Mitsubishi Electric expects to supply 100,000 units in 2003 to the Chrysler Group plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

    About Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America

    Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America, a U.S. subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, was established in 1979 in response to the continued growth of the North American automotive business, particularly for electronics. MEAA offers all aspects of engineering, manufacturing, sales and marketing, distribution and service of electrical and electronic systems and components for automobile manufacturers and industrial engine manufacturers. MEAA has close to $650 million in annual sales and 900 employees in North America. For more information about Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America, visit www.meaa-mea.com.

    About Mitsubishi Electric

    With over 80 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products to both corporate clients and general consumers all over the world, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and building equipment. The company has operations in 35 countries and recorded consolidated group sales of 3,639 billion yen (US$30.3 billion(a)) in the year ended March 31, 2003. For more information, visit http://global.mitsubishielectric.com

    (a) At an exchange rate of 120 yen to the US dollar, the rate given by the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on March 31, 2003.