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Yazaki Goes Digital with In-Vehicle Network Initiative

6 March 2000

Yazaki Goes Digital with In-Vehicle Network Initiative

    CANTON, Mich., March 6 Yazaki North America, Inc. (YNA), a
leading provider of vehicle power and data solutions to the automotive
industry, today announced that it has created an initiative properly named the
"In-Vehicle Network" to ensure successful implementation and acceptance of a
distributed digital network architecture for the automotive market.
    Yazaki has over ten years of knowledge and experience in vehicle
networking technology, which includes fiber optics and optical connection
systems.  By leveraging its extensive knowledge and expertise, Yazaki is
developing networking technology for the next generation of in-vehicle network
utilizing the Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) protocol, which is an
emerging network standard for in-vehicle multimedia application.
    The benefit of a digital network is that it reduces overall system
complexity while improving data quality and integrity.  Furthermore, it is EMI
free and provides weight and space savings compared to traditional network
media.  In addition, it supports bandwidth intense applications such as
streaming video, which is an important feature for in-car entertainment.
    First, from a network infrastructure standpoint, YNA team members are
developing plastic optical fibers and network connection systems.  For network
devices, YNA's team is developing networking products such as
multimedia/vehicle gateways and displays.  Finally, for network applications,
the team is developing software applications to deliver personalized, and
media rich information such as streaming video throughout the network.
    Yazaki's ultimate goal is to be the leading "Total Vehicle Network
Infrastructure Supplier" for the automotive market.  Together with our
strategic partners, Yazaki is committed to developing a versatile, high
performance and cost effective distributed network with true "plug and play"
capabilities that is both scaleable and flexible to satisfy the multimedia and
connectivity needs of our end customers.
    Yazaki Corporation, as a global leader in the development and
manufacturing of vehicle power and data solutions, is continually researching
and developing advanced electronic technologies for vehicles.  Yazaki produces
many components associated with electrical distribution systems, including
instrumentation, junction blocks, connector systems, electronics and advanced
technology.
    Worldwide, the company employs more than 100,000 people in 30 countries,
1,400 of whom are based in the company's new North American corporate
headquarters and research center in Canton, Mich.