Microsoft Unveils First Connected Concept Cars

Company Demonstrates How Windows Automotive Dramatically Improves the Look and Feel of the Daily Commute

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 -- Microsoft Corp. today announced its first Connected Concept Cars -- using a Hummer H2, Cadillac CTS and BMW X5 -- at the 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The company's concept vehicles demonstrate how Microsoft is bringing the Connected Car to life with the latest applications, services and technologies available for drivers and passengers.

The technology in Microsoft's Connected Concept Cars races past today's limited and often unsafe means for accessing information in the car such as traditional maps, cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), and "guesstimates" on maintenance concerns such as oil level or engine status. The vehicles the company unveiled today focus on providing drivers with useful information that makes getting from place to place easier than ever. Microsoft's Connected Concept Cars, powered by Windows(R) Automotive technology, provide these features:

  -- Advanced speech technology. Drivers can stay focused on the road ahead
     by using Microsoft's powerful speech technology to get personalized
     traffic updates, place a phone call, ask for driving directions or even
     play digital music.
  -- PDA and cell phone integration. Bluetooth(R) technology wirelessly
     connects a driver's Bluetooth enabled cell phone and PDA to the
     vehicle's electronics system, allowing drivers to speak to make and
     receive calls, receive meeting reminders and access important data
     through the car audio system.
  -- Web services. Drivers can avoid traffic jams, get the latest headlines
     or find the closest gas station with the lowest prices via MSN(R) Autos
     using personalized, voice-controlled Internet access.
  -- Customized navigation. Taking a wrong turn is a thing of the past with
     the Connected Car's voice-controlled navigation system. Drivers can
     find points of interest or get turn-by-turn directions with the help of
     Global Positioning System (GPS) and MapPoint(R) technology.
  -- Hands-free phone. Drivers will never again take their eyes off the road
     to make a call. They can enjoy a hands-free phone conversation while
     behind the wheel without the distraction of manually dialing a number.
  -- Remote diagnostics. Drivers are alerted of potential car problems and
     maintenance updates, potentially improving their car's performance over
     its lifetime.

"The power, flexibility and reliability of our Windows Automotive platform makes it possible for automakers to provide these types of driving experiences to consumers today," Brass said. "These Connected Concept Cars prove that drivers and passengers can safely and securely communicate, get timely information and be entertained at their convenience while on the road."

As consumers grow accustomed to the digital lifestyle, they struggle with staying connected when they are behind the wheel. Research shows that drivers are increasingly using their cell phone and PDA in the car, indicating they have a strong desire to stay connected to the world around them. Recent studies estimate that Americans spend more than 500 million commuter hours per week in their vehicle* and that 73 percent of cell phone users talk on their phones while driving.** With its Connected Car technology, Microsoft is shifting its automotive efforts into high gear and delivering a safer alternative to accessing information while on the road.

"Our goal is to help consumers get safely connected to the information and services they need on the road by helping the auto industry meet this demand with reliable, affordable, standards-based technology solutions," Brass said.

Microsoft Momentum Hits the Road in 2004 Model Year Vehicles

The company currently is working with automakers worldwide to put its Connected Car technology into production. It recently added several new car models to its growing customer base using Windows Automotive technology. Drivers and passengers can now experience Microsoft(R) technology in 23 preinstalled and aftermarket devices from 12 world-class automakers and suppliers including BMW, Citroen, Clarion Co. Ltd., DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Subaru, Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, NexTech, Toyota and Volvo.

About Windows Automotive

Microsoft has been working with the automotive industry since 1995 to provide great software that delivers information, entertainment, communication and services in vehicles. The company works closely with automakers, suppliers, aftermarket manufacturers, service providers and consumers to provide the embedded automotive industry with the systems and tools for building the next generation of intelligent, Windows Powered devices that demand rich applications and access to Internet services for a wide range of flexible solutions. Windows Automotive is an open platform that allows developers to quickly create powerful in-car computing solutions. It offers flexibility, with a choice of computing platforms, hardware peripherals and software components, as well as a large community of experienced developers for Windows CE.