STRATEGY ANALYTICS: Car Buyers Get What They Asked For; Frankfurt Motor Show 2005 Cars Reveal Automotive Entertainment Flexibility

BOSTON--Dec. 1, 20053, 2005--Car manufacturers are responding to the shift in consumer demand for entertainment choices in their vehicles, according to the new Strategy Analytics report, "Frankfurt Motor Show 2005 Introduces Entertainment Choice." Car makers are traditionally slow to react to shifts in consumer entertainment preferences, but the vehicles on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2005 show that manufacturers are beginning to understand the need for flexibility in entertainment offerings.

With the soaring popularity of portable music players, online music downloads and DVDs, outside of the vehicle consumer entertainment choice has expanded dramatically over the last 18-24 months. While the wireless and consumer markets embrace new entertainment technology, car manufacturers are traditionally the last to react to changes in consumer demand.

"Despite the cassette format being almost entirely obsolete in portable and home markets, there was still widespread installation of cassette head units in new vehicles up until 2 years ago," says Clare Hughes, Analyst, Strategy Analytics Automotive Practice. "However, car manufacturers have reacted better to the current consumer demand for in-vehicle portable music player integration, compressed audio playback and DVD entertainment. Car makers also have an advantage over aftermarket suppliers in that they can offer better integration with the vehicle and multifunctional controls."

For a table, "OEM Advanced Entertainment Offering At Frankfurt Motor Show 2005," see www.strategyanalytics.com/press/PR00239.htm.

About Strategy Analytics

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