Clarion Enhances Driver Experience with Speech Interface From SVOX and Asahi Kasei

MORFELDEN-WALLDORF, Germany & ZURICH, Switzerland--July 5, 2006--Today, SVOX and Clarion announced that the text-to-speech product SVOX Automotive in combination with Asahi Kasei's speech recognition product VORERO has been integrated into Clarion's new European aftermarket navigation products MN668HD, VN868HD and NAX963HD.

The Zurich-based speech solution specialist SVOX announced today that Clarion, one of Japan's leading automotive multimedia device manufacturers, has integrated SVOX Automotive text-to-speech together with Asahi Kasei's VORERO speech recognition in its new Multimedia/Navigation Systems VN868HD (1-DIN) and MN668HD (2-DIN). The new aftermarket navigation systems simplify the way drivers control the Multimedia Station, hence increasing safety and comfort while on the road. A high quality speech interface for hands-free and eyes-free operation is a key feature of the new Clarion products.

"We have greatly appreciated working with SVOX and Asahi Kasei. Their focus on automotive solutions and their undivided attention to our speech integration project has contributed substantially to the advanced usability of our multimedia products", says Mr. Andreas Augsten, Manager Engineering with Clarion. "Our new European aftermarket navigation systems enable users to enjoy their road trip and quickly reach their destination".

Users of the new navigation devices can operate the system more safely by voice, keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the steering wheel. The intuitive, speech-enabled user interface guides the driver through all functions of the system using highly reliable speech recognition and state-of-the-art text-to-speech in six major European languages.

"We are proud to collaborate with Clarion, Japan's popular provider of innovative automotive multimedia systems." states Volker Jantzen, CEO of SVOX. "It has been a pleasure to enable Clarion's highly usable and technically advanced European speech user interface with SVOX Automotive in combination with Asahi Kasei's VORERO."

"SVOX text-to-speech together with our speech recognition increase the ease of use of Clarion's ground breaking navigation devices," agrees Dr. Kiyoshi Kaya, Marketing & Sales Manager with Asahi Kasei. "Teaming up with SVOX has been very efficient and enjoyable. Our companies share the focus on automotive solutions and the dedication to our customers' success."

Clarion's Multimedia/Navigation Systems will be available in stores across Europe in July 2006.

About SVOX AG

SVOX AG is the leading provider of embedded speech output solutions for the automotive and mobile device industries. The SVOX Text-to-Speech system, the company's signature product, is part of a full product suite of small, fast and multilingual applications that enable computers and other electronic devices to convert written text into natural-sounding and easily comprehensible speech. SVOX's focus on embedded speech allows for specifically optimized solutions, and its software architecture provides customers with a speech engine that can be easily tailored to their technical requirements and market needs.