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Visteon Enhances Electronics Product Capability With Creation of Visteon Software Technologies

KERPEN, Germany, Feb. 17, 2004 -- Visteon Corporation has announced the creation of a new entity, Visteon Software Technologies SAS. Located in Sophia-Antipolis, France, a high-tech region known as the French "Silicon Valley," Visteon Software Technologies SAS will focus on the development of a wide range of on-board and off-board vehicle navigation systems -- from low-cost, turn-by-turn navigation to high-end, map-based display systems with real time updates.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO )

"This is a natural progression for Visteon," said Martin Thoone, Visteon's global director for the Electronics product line. "The creation of Visteon Software Technologies SAS strengthens Visteon's technological competence in audio and infotainment, adding navigation expertise to our well-known integration capabilities and our ability to combine radio systems, speech input and clusters."

"In the future," Thoone added, "infotainment products will combine such features as navigation, television and Internet access. Visteon Software Technologies SAS allows us to apply our automotive systems integration expertise to the development of easy-to-use interfaces between cars, drivers and passengers."

Visteon Software Technologies SAS was created after Visteon purchased major software and technology assets of Opteway S.A., which specializes in object-oriented software and services for on- and off-board navigation systems.

Off-board systems, in addition to on-board equipment, allow information to be stored on a CD or DVD for real-time external input into the car. The latest information can also be sent to the vehicle from different providers via wireless communication (WiFi, GSM, GPRS, UMTS, Digital Radio). This wireless technology will allow the introduction of new proximity services with real time information for updating map data, traffic information, weather and road conditions, hotel or cinema reservation information, as well as advertising. The technology can also inform the driver about variable or fixed speed limits in certain areas, helping to control traffic flow.

"Visteon Software Technologies," said Thoone, "in cooperation with important information service providers, will allow Visteon to introduce a wide range of new, in-vehicle applications offering exciting features to the end customers."

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 approximately 73,500 employees and a global delivery system of more than 180 technical, manufacturing, sales, and service facilities located in 25 countries.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

NOTE TO EDITORS: Visteon news releases, photographs and product specification details are available at www.visteon.com .