Motorola and Mercedes-Benz to Offer Automotive Industry's First Integrated, Dual-Band Phone
15 August 2000
New Timeport(TM) Digital Phone System Available on All Mercedes-Benz Model Year 2001 Vehicles
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. - As part of an ongoing effort to improve driver
performance and convenience, Motorola and Mercedes-Benz USA have teamed up to
offer drivers a special, integrated version of Motorola's Timeport digital
phone, the industry's first fully integrated dual band, multi-network phone
system. The Timeport phone is the latest in wireless in-vehicle communications
technologies. With a sleek silver finish, the Timeport phone is now available
on all model-year 2001 Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The Motorola Timeport phone is compatible with the nation's most
competitive no roaming, no long distance calling plans. Adding to its
functionality, the Timeport Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) phone is
equipped with an Internet mini-browser feature and is Motorola's first
wireless phone with an electro-luminescent Organic EL(TM) multi-color graphic
display.
"The Timeport phone system is a result of significant time and financial
investment in design, engineering and testing by Mercedes-Benz and Motorola to
provide a state-of-the-art communications system," said Ken Enders, vice
president of sales and marketing of MBUSA. "As a result, the Timeport phone
offers one of the highest levels of performance and convenience in the
industry today."
In order to maximize driver attention on the road, the Motorola Timeport
phone is deeply integrated into the Mercedes-Benz vehicle. The integration
features and benefits include:
-- Voice Recognition: On most Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the voice
recognition feature is available and allows drivers to use simple
verbal commands, such as "dial name" then "call Bob" to dial numbers or
to simply speak the number i.e. 1-800-555-1212.
-- Hands-free capability: Integration of the phone into the vehicle
allows for hands-free sending/receiving of calls through the steering
wheel controls or through the audio system and the integrated
microphone allows for clear and easy conversation.
-- Audio Unit Automatic Control: With in-coming or out-going calls, the
audio system automatically mutes the AM/FM radio or pauses the cassette
or CD player.
-- Memory synchronicity -- Allows phone book to automatically download
from the phone into the vehicle's audio system display.
Additionally, the Timeport handset itself, when used outside the vehicle,
offers users many conveniences:
-- VibraCall(R) alert -- Discreetly notifies users of incoming calls.
-- Caller ID2 -- When available from the service provider, shows the name
and/or phone number of caller.
-- Portable handset -- Lifts out to go anywhere with its owner.
-- Electronic phonebook -- Stores at least 99 contact names and phone
numbers.
-- Smart Button feature -- Allows one-hand dialing and easy access to
menus and functions at the touch of a button.
The Timeport phone is another example of Motorola's DigitalDNA(TM)
technology, which allows its products to be smart, efficient and reliable.
"Motorola joins Mercedes-Benz in an ongoing commitment to bring U.S.
drivers the best in world-class technology, quality and owner satisfaction,"
said Marios Zenios, corporate vice president and general manager, Motorola
Telematics Communications Group. "By making Timeport and other Telematics
products available in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, Motorola will continue to drive
the future of in-vehicle communications technologies."
The Timeport phone is available now for CDMA or TDMA (Time Division
Multiple Access) service on all model year 2001 Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, a DaimlerChrysler company, is headquartered in
Montvale, New Jersey and employs approximately 1,500 people in 20 locations
across the U.S. Through a nationwide network of over 300 retailers,
Mercedes-Benz sold 189,437 vehicles in the U.S. during 1999, an 11 percent
increase over the previous year, setting the highest sales volume ever in its
history. Currently over eight percent ahead of last year, the company expects
to set a new sales record in 2000.
Motorola IESS
The Integrated Electronic Systems Sector (IESS) is part of Motorola, Inc.
. IESS designs and manufactures a broad range of electronic
components, modules and integrated electronic systems and products for
automotive, industrial, transportation, navigation, computer,
telecommunications and energy system markets. IESS consists of four closely
related business units that work together to form a seamless partnership.
These units include the Automotive & Industrial Electronics Group (AIEG),
Telematics Communications Group (TCG), Motorola Computer Group (MCG) and the
Energy Systems Group (ESG). IESS is a leading provider of advanced electronic
products and systems for customers integrating electronics into their
products. Motorola IESS solutions provide the brains -- the DigitalDNA(TM)
technology -- that make electronic systems smart, powerful and easy to use.
Motorola, Inc. is a global leader in providing integrated
communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 1999
were $33.1 billion.
Motorola TCG
The Telematics Communications Group (TCG) is a business unit of Motorola's
Integrated Electronic Systems Sector (IESS). TCG was formed in 1998 and
focuses on emerging automotive communications markets for advanced wireless
applications.
TCG consolidates capabilities for communications, Global Positioning
Satellite (GPS) technology, automotive electronics and controls, and embedded
computing as an end-to-end solutions provider to its customers. TCG is
headquartered in Elk Grove Village, Ill.