Continental and Volkswagen Introduce Flexible, High-End Navigation and Entertainment System

DETROIT - October 6, 2008: Continental has worked hand-in-hand with Volkswagen to design a global, easy-to-use, touch screen navigation and multimedia system that enhances the mobility, efficiency, and fun of Volkswagen vehicles. The system, which has debuted in Europe and Asia inside Touran, Tiguan, Touareg, Golf and Passat vehicles, is now available in Volkswagen products across the United States and Mexico. The factory-fit system -- dubbed a personal travel companion, concierge service, and entertainment system -- is available in nearly all Volkswagen vehicle platforms equipped for navigation.

Intuitive Touch Screen and Voice-Guided Turn-by-Turn Directions
The intuitive navigation and multimedia system is integrated into the vehicle and enables a driver to easily enter destination information using a 6.5 inch color touch screen display. Once en route, NAVTEQ map and point-of-interest information is visually displayed through two-dimensional, three-dimensional and topographical maps. The ability to zoom-in on map information is also available. The system’s human machine interface is designed to help keep the driver focused on the road by automatically muting the car stereo and broadcasting voice-guided turn-by-turn directions through the vehicle audio system.

Are We There Yet?
The intelligent system provides vehicle occupants with comprehensive trip information including distance to destination and an estimated time of arrival. In the event of a missed turn or detour, the system will automatically recalculate the route to the destination.

Save Time & Money While Reducing Vehicle Emissions
Vehicle occupants can enhance their efficiencies by utilizing the system’s point-of-interest information. Nearby businesses and attractions, ATMs, gas stations, restaurants, hospitals and more, can be displayed for vehicle occupants via a split screen. Traffic congestion avoidance is also made possible as the system is capable of broadcasting real-time-traffic information via Satellite Radio to VW owners who subscribe to the service. Traffic congestion avoidance, choosing the best route to a destination and point-of-interest information can help improve fuel economy, and reduce vehicle idling and emissions.

Hear What You Want To Hear
This optional navigation and multimedia system equips many Volkswagen vehicles with the latest in digital audio trends. Vehicle occupants have a variety of options and can tune in to either AM, FM, HD or Satellite Radio; plug-in portable music players via an AUX-In connection; copy, browse and play MP3 and WMA files stored on the system’s 30GB hard disk drive or play music stored on a removable SD (Secure Digital) memory card. Title and artist information is displayed. Movies and video can also be viewed using the DVD drive integrated in the system while the vehicle is placed in park.

High-Tech Solutions Under the Hood
A variety of high-tech components are integrated into the high-performance, embedded system, including:

A 30GB hard disk drive is designed with10GB of memory to store map information,

20GB are available for MP3 or WMA files, and the system also supports an SD card;

A powerful digital tuner with 4 x 20 watt output that provides excellent radio reception and high-fidelity sound;

A powerful 750 MIPS processor that enables route calculation and map display within seconds;

A high-end graphic chip that provides W-VGA screen resolution that is crystal clear for easy viewing of map information;

Continental and Volkswagen have designed the flexible, high-end navigation and multimedia system so it can evolve in the future. For instance, depending upon the vehicle model, the system will be configured to accommodate: visual display of back-up camera information; connection of additional portable devices; hands-free phone capabilities and the ability to read and write short text-messages.