Motorola Powers New BMW MAYDAY Cellular Phone
2 November 1998
Motorola's Telematics Technologies Power New BMW MAYDAY Cellular Phone
SCHAUMBURG, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE--Nov. 2, 1998--Retailer-installed system offers BMW drivers roadside assistance, emergency response, car-theft notification and remote door unlocking.
Motorola announces it has teamed up with BMW North America, Inc. to introduce the BMW Mayday(TM) Cellular Phone. The new telematics system will be available on all BMW models in late 1998. The phone merges wireless communication and global-positioning satellite technologies to offer drivers 24-hour roadside assistance, emergency response, stolen vehicle notification and remote door unlocking via the BMW Response Center. The complete BMW retailer-installed accessory package will cost $1200, not including regular airtime.
The system incorporates Motorola's high-speed GT Plus Oncore(TM) GPS receivers, proprietary cellular handsets, and telematics communications intelligence. The phone offers normal voice functioning and features a dedicated one-touch button for manual system activation to contact the BMW Response Center.
In the event of an accident that results in airbag deployment, the phone automatically activates, calling the BMW Response Center with the car's location. The center dispatches emergency services, even in the unfortunate event that the driver and passengers cannot physically activate the system or are unconscious. Roadside mechanical or medical assistance can also be manually summoned via the phone's handset.
Pinpoint location information is transmitted to the response center for swift dispatch. In addition to dispatching emergency services, the BMW Response Center can provide other information verbally to the driver. Other BMW Response Center-provided services, which will be available free of charge for the first six months after purchase, include concierge, route guidance and updates on traffic conditions.
The system is equipped with a remote door unlock feature that assists the driver in the event that the keys are misplaced or locked in the car. In this instance, a driver can call the BMW Response Center, and upon provision of the proper password, the center will discreetly and remotely unlock the car doors.
The phone also offers unprecedented theft protection services by automatically calling the BMW Response Center upon intrusion-alarm activation. The GPS receiver provides the center with the car's location and police are guided to the car. In the event that theft is suspected, but the alarm is not activated, the car owner can initiate a theft-screen inquiry. The service center places a call to the car and requests a password from the driver. If the password is incorrect, the center locates the car and again guides police to its location.
"BMWs are vehicles designed for people who love to own and drive their cars," said Robert Denaro, vice president and director, Motorola's Telematics Information Systems. "We are very pleased that BMW of North America has selected Motorola's cellular and GPS technology and telematics expertise to ensure that BMW ownership is as safe and enjoyable as possible."
BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975, at which point the company assumed marketing and distribution responsibilities for BMW automobiles in the U.S. from the previous private distributor. Motorcycle marketing and distribution were added in 1980. Since then, the company's North American operations have grown to include marketing, sales and financial-services organizations in the United States and Canada. BMW is represented in North America through a network of BMW Centers in the U.S. and Canada, including more than 375 for automobiles and 190 for motorcycles. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the brand's North American headquarters, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW products is available to consumers via the World Wide Web on the BMW homepage. The address is http://www.bmwusa.com.
Motorola is a global leader in advanced electronic systems and services. It creates software-driven products that provide integrated customer solutions and Internet access via wireless and satellite communications, as well as computing, networking, and automotive electronics. Motorola also liberates the power of technology by providing essential digital building blocks in the form of embedded semiconductors, controls and systems. Sales in 1997 were $29.8 billion.
Journalist note: Press materials on BMW are available from the "Interactive News Bureau" at the BMW website. You can reach it by clicking "Contact BMW" from the main menu.
For further press information, including photos, please contact: Allyson Stinchfield, Citigate DGPR, Tel +1 312 372 6144 or Fax +1 312 372 1409 and e-mail: afield@mcs.net.