Delphi Automotive Systems Takes Leadership Role in Satellite Radio Market

2 April 1999
Delphi Automotive Systems Takes Leadership Role in Satellite Radio Market
    TROY, Mich., April 1 -- Delphi Automotive Systems
recently announced that it has signed an agreement with CD Radio, Inc. to
design and market an original equipment three-band audio system capable of
processing digital satellite signals.  Delphi Delco Electronics Systems is the
first original equipment manufacturer to commit to producing the AM/FM/Digital
radio satellite receiver.
    Satellite radio is an emerging technology, which will broadcast 100
channels of a variety of music -- without commercials -- or other programming
directly to vehicles from satellites.  Users need special radios and special
antennas that either adhere to or are incorporated in a vehicle's rear window.
The advantages to consumers include uninterrupted coast-to-coast of CD
(Compact Disc)-quality audio.  Also, users can enjoy non-stop music of their
choice without having to purchase and carry bulky CDs or cassettes.
    A leader in mobile communications technology, Delphi Delco Electronics
Systems installed the first AM radio in an instrument panel of an automobile
in 1936.  Since then, Delphi Delco has been at the forefront in introducing
and integrating various audio technologies into vehicles including: AM/FM
stereo, citizen band receivers, RDS, cassette and compact disc players.
    "We are excited about the opportunity to help lead the charge in
introducing digital satellite radio," said Jeffrey J. Owens, Delphi Delco
Electronics general director of engineering.  We have a long history of being
involved in the advancement of mobile communications technologies; and we are
pleased to be part of this next step."
    Based in Kokomo, Indiana, Delphi Delco Electronics Systems is a division
of Delphi Automotive Systems.  Along with a complete line of integrated body,
chassis, safety, security and powertrain electronics, the company produces
more than five million original equipment audio systems a year providing
everything from antennas, speakers, and a broad range of head units that
accommodate various plug and play devices.
    Delphi Automotive Systems, with headquarters in Troy, Mich., USA, is a
world leader in automotive component and systems technology.  Delphi's three
business sectors -- Dynamics & Propulsion; Safety, Thermal & Electrical
Architecture; and Electronics & Mobile Communications -- provide comprehensive
product solutions to complex customer needs.  Delphi has more than 200,000
employees and operates 168 wholly owned manufacturing sites, 40 joint ventures
and 27 technical centers in 36 countries.  Regional headquarters are located
in Paris, Tokyo and Sao Paulo.  Delphi can be found on the Internet at
http://www.delphiauto.com.
    CD Radio, Inc. is one of two companies that won bids on the
two FCC (Federal Communications Commission) licenses granted to broadcast
digital satellite signals beginning in late 2000.  CD Radio will offer 50
channels of commercial-free music and 50 channels of news, sports, weather and
entertainment.  Users pay a subscriber fee for the service which CD Radio
estimates to be about $9.95 per month.
    CD Radio is building a digital satellite radio system infrastructure for
broadcasting from its National Broadcast Studio in New York City and will be
uplinked to the company's three satellites.  The satellites are currently
under construction and are scheduled for launch in early 2000.  CD radio can
be found at http://www.cdradio.com.