STRATEGY ANALYTICS: Japan Rocks In Car Entertainment; Japanese Automotive Suppliers Showing Clear Market Lead In Providing Entertainment Choice

BOSTON--Aug. 3, 20051, 2005--Japanese automotive electronics suppliers are taking the market lead in rolling out the widest range of entertainment system features, according to new analysis from Strategy Analytics. Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer and other Japanese suppliers offer the most varied range of entertainment system features.

Strategy Analytics' new "Automotive Entertainment Multi-Feature System Specification Database" details over 1,300 in-vehicle entertainment systems currently offered by over 30 automotive system suppliers in North America, Europe and Japan, checking in-vehicle entertainment systems against a list of more than 10 entertainment functions. This Strategy Analytics database analysis highlights the major market shift towards 'soft' music playback, iPod connectivity, and touch screen technology. There is also growing availability of TV tuners, portable storage technologies, and hard-disk drives (HDD).

"Database analysis shows an average of two or three entertainment functions per in-vehicle system," says Clare Hughes, Analyst, Automotive Multimedia & Communications Service (AMCS). "However, a growing number of systems feature five or more entertainment functions; and these are being offered, almost exclusively, by Japanese suppliers."

For a chart, "Number of Entertainment Features Per System," see www.strategyanalytics.com/press/PR00208.htm

Strategy Analytics, Inc. - a global research and consulting firm - provides timely insights and strategic business solutions to companies operating at the convergence of information, communications and entertainment technologies. With worldwide headquarters in Boston, MA. and principal offices in England, France and Germany, Strategy Analytics focuses on market opportunities and challenges in the areas of Automotive Electronics & Multimedia, Digital Consumer, Wireless Strategies and Enabling Technologies. For more information, see www.strategyanalytics.com