Nissan Showcases Longstanding Audio Association with Bose

SAN FRANCISCO--June 1, 2004--At the Nissan 360 global driving event this month, journalists can experience Nissan and Infiniti vehicle models from around the world -- many of which offer custom designed audio systems from Bose Corporation.

For over a decade and a half, Nissan and Bose have offered premium audio systems that enhance the driving experience for Nissan and Infiniti customers in vehicles sold worldwide -- ranging from sports cars to minivans.

The global collaboration between Bose and Nissan began in 1988. From the very first Nissan/Infiniti equipped vehicles -- the Nissan Maxima and the Infiniti M30 -- Bose utilized an innovative approach to automotive sound system design. The Bose(R) "Clean Sheet" approach differs significantly from conventional solutions that simply add audio components after the vehicle is designed. Instead, Bose engineers work closely with their counterparts at Nissan from the earliest stages of development. Proprietary design and analysis tools are used to take thousands of measurements in each model, taking into account the absorptive and reflective properties of the various interior surfaces, and measuring the acoustic performance of the cabin as a whole.

Nearly every decision, from speaker placement to system equalization, is made using this acoustic information. As a result, driver and passengers can hear the power and nuance of each instrument and voice. The sound seems more spacious than the cabin itself, and the system delivers music with such clarity, many people hear details they may have never noticed before.

Bose Innovations in Nissan and Infiniti Vehicles

The Bose audio systems in Nissan and Infiniti vehicles incorporate nearly 40 years of acoustic expertise and innovative technologies developed by and available only from Bose, including:

AudioPilot(R) Noise Compensation Circuitry

AudioPilot automatically helps reduce the effects of unwanted noise from different road surfaces, changing driving speeds, or even an open sunroof. This patented innovation adjusts many aspects of the audio signal and reacts to changes in noise, continually adjusting the audio system's acoustic output.

Light-yet-powerful Nd(R) Woofers

The doors and rear shelf of a vehicle are often prime locations for woofers. But doors are increasingly crowded with power window motors, seat controls, side impact beams, electronic door locking devices, air bags, and more. This doesn't leave much room for a speaker, especially a large woofer. The Bose patented Nd woofer combines innovative design and advanced materials to create a compact, highly efficient speaker that produces the low-frequency output of a much larger, heavier conventional speaker.

Customized Equalization

Custom designed for individual models, this high-precision digital signal processing circuitry provides multiple channels of complex equalization, delivering smoother and more lifelike sound to each seat in the vehicle.

Proprietary Signal Processing

The digital Bose sound systems adjust tonal balance so that the listener hears lifelike sound at all audible volume levels. Music is heard with fullness and detail, speech always sounds natural, and the system can approach the highest volumes without sounding distorted.

"Since 1988, Nissan and Bose have shared the belief that a better listening experience enhances the driving experience," said Brandon Westley, Vice President, Bose Automotive Systems Division. "All of us at Bose are pleased to be part of this important showcase."

About Bose Automotive Systems Division

Bose Corporation was founded in 1964 by MIT Professor Amar G. Bose. In 1983, Bose introduced the industry's first custom designed, factory-installed premium automotive sound system, setting a new standard in automotive audio. For more than twenty years, the Bose Automotive Systems Division has been pioneering automotive sound technologies with a commitment to achieve an authentic, spacious and lifelike listening experience. As a result, Bose has achieved the highest car audio J.D. Power brand score(1). The Bose Automotive Systems Division supplies premium music systems to leading brands in Europe, Japan, and North America.

J.D. Power and Associates 2003 Automotive Component Branding Study(SM). Study based on 9,329 responses from consumers who were asked about their awareness (aided), familiarity and impression of 28 car audio brands.