Motorola Automotive Reveals Latest In-Car Technology at 2004 North American International Auto Show
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Jan. 5, 2004 -- Technologies that make the car smarter, co-branded wireless phones and an in-vehicle Bluetooth(TM) wireless technology system are just a few technologies Motorola Automotive is displaying at the 2004 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). In addition, Motorola Automotive is demonstrating new technologies and methods available to reduce driver distraction and encourage responsible driving.
"By working with major automobile makers on advanced, in-vehicle electronics and communication systems, Motorola Automotive has a deep understanding of how to integrate cutting-edge technologies inside the car," said Jacqui Dedo, corporate vice president and general manager of market operations for Motorola Automotive. "Exhibiting at the North American International Auto Show gives us the opportunity to demonstrate how Motorola Automotive continues to design, adapt and integrate in-vehicle electronics technology, Telematics and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems into the vehicle."
During the NAIAS, Motorola Automotive is showcasing how the company's technologies can be divided into three vehicle-enhancement categories -- Aware, Networked and Architected -- all providing increased connectivity and communication throughout the vehicle:
Aware Vehicle - Making the Car Smarter Via Driver Aides
Motorola Automotive is currently developing technologies that enable a vehicle to be aware of its immediate environment. At the NAIAS, the company is showing its latest aware technologies, such as its Driver Advocate(TM) system. This onboard software system is invisible to a driver yet provides an ally against distraction by helping them stay focused on the most important task -- safe driving.
The technology can be integrated into a car in a variety of ways to help simplify the drive. An automobile maker will have the ability to customize the features included in the software system as well as the user interface based upon their strategy for a vehicle platform.
During the auto show, Motorola is showcasing the technology using a three- button mechanism installed on the steering wheel column. Each button is dedicated to a specific task: one is used for wireless communication information; another handles navigation information and the third provides vehicle condition information, such as low windshield wiper fluid or low fuel alerts.
Once installed into a vehicle, the Driver Advocate system draws inferences from the vehicle's data system so information -- such as phone calls or navigation information -- can be presented to a driver in a way that is compatible with the real-time driving situation and prioritized in terms of its importance. The driver can then choose when it is appropriate to receive information via one of the buttons installed on the steering wheel column. The Driver Advocate system technology is currently available and could appear in a vehicle as early as the 2006 calendar year.
Motorola Automotive is also demonstrating its lane departure warning technology. This vision-based system gives the car 'eyes' to sense its surroundings. For instance, if the car veers from its lane, the drivers' seat or steering wheel could vibrate to alert the driver. An automobile maker will determine how the technology is implemented into a vehicle platform and how a driver may receive these types of alerts.
Networked Vehicle - The Future of Telematics and Bluetooth Wireless Technology
Motorola Automotive envisions giving consumers the power to be networked to the outside world by using communication technologies to interact with vehicle functions, such as the on-board vehicle diagnostics systems. During NAIAS, Motorola is discussing some of its advanced concepts for Telematics technology including off-board diagnostics and other vehicle relationship management services.
Motorola Automotive is also showing how integrated Bluetooth(TM) wireless technology in the car can provide drivers with the ability to have cordless, hands-free mobile phone operation. A demonstration within Motorola's booth shows how the technology enables drivers to transition a mobile phone call they are conducting outside a vehicle to an audio system inside a car, all without the use of wires or connections. Once inside the car, drivers can also use simple verbal commands to place calls, bringing true hands-free convenience to the user.
Architected Vehicle - Advanced Electronics
Motorola Automotive is currently developing emerging technologies that enable a vehicle to be architected, allowing various sections of the car to communicate to one another intelligently. The company is designing advanced electronics systems to increase efficiencies under the hood and throughout the vehicle. Motorola Automotive is developing an electrical architecture that routes information through the car using fewer computers and wires. The robust architecture is expected to help automobile makers reduce the costs associated with manufacturing a vehicle.
About Motorola
Motorola, Inc. is a global leader in wireless, automotive and broadband communications. Sales in 2002 were $27.3 billion. Motorola is a global corporate citizen dedicated to ethical business practices and pioneering important innovations that make things smarter and life better, honored traditions that began when the company was founded 75 years ago this year. For more information, please visit www.motorola.com .
About Motorola Automotive
Located in Farmington Hills, Mich., and Deer Park, Ill., Motorola Automotive is a leading, global supplier of automotive electronics, telematics, communications, and software systems. Motorola Automotive is a division of Motorola Integrated Electronic Systems Sector (IESS), a leading provider of advanced electronic products and systems for customers integrating electronics into their products. More information can be found at www.motorola.com/automotive .
MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. The Bluetooth trademarks are owned by their proprietor and used by Motorola, Inc. under license.
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Note to editors: The North American International Auto Show is open to the public January 10 -19 in Detroit. Motorola Automotive's booth is located in the Macomb Entryway of Cobo Center