Parrot Names Kipper as Vice President Opens Detroit Office

DETROIT--April 8, 2005--Parrot, world leader in Bluetooth car kits, has named Jon Kipper of Romeo, Michigan as Executive Vice President of Automotive Business Development.

In this new role, Kipper will focus on relationships with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. Parrot's Executive Vice President Christophe Dissaux continues to oversee Parrot's aftermarket business in North America from the company's New York office.

Kipper began his automotive career in Detroit in 1975 when he joined Lucas Industries, A British Automotive supplier, as an apprentice. In 1991 he moved to Prince Corporation where he held business development and sales positions in Electronics.

Prior to joining Parrot, Kipper served as Commercial Development Manager of Electronics for Johnson Controls. Before that, he served as Director for Sagem, a French automotive electronic supplier acquired by Johnson Controls in 2001. Kipper also worked as sales/marketing manager for British-based First Technology.

"Parrot is known throughout Europe as a technology leader in the field of automotive Bluetooth hands-free phone applications, and is poised to support the rapidly growing Bluetooth market here in the States," said Kipper. "Having the ability to offer systems with advanced features such as GPS, audio streaming, and voice recognition in conjunction with wireless phone functions gives Parrot an even broader appeal."

The simplicity and universality of Parrot's Bluetooth car kits have driven the company's popularity worldwide. Parrot products are compatible with all known wireless phones, and are sold in 35 countries. Parrot products include:

-- Easydrive -- the new Plug and drive portable solution with built-in microphone

-- DriveBlue+ -- portable car kit with visor microphone

-- CK3300 -- installed unit with integrated GPS

-- CK3100 -- installed unit with easy-to-read LCD

-- Evolution -- basic installed unit with clean, simple style