Delphi Brings the Latest in High-Tech Electronics to Auto Market
31 October 2000
Delphi Brings the Latest in High-Tech Electronics to Automotive Market DELPHI AUTOMOTIVE LOGO Delphi Automotive Systems Wordmark. (PRNewsFoto)[AG] TROY, MI USA 10/19/2000
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 31 Delphi Automotive Systems ,
an automotive supplier with a long history of providing high-quality, cutting-
edge automotive systems and electronics, will soon offer its electronics
technologies as consumer products in the United States and around the world.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001019/DELPHIAS )
Delphi is demonstrating the latest in high-end automotive electronics at
the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), part of the Automotive
Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW), the largest automotive aftermarket trade
show in North America, Oct. 31 - Nov. 3. Delphi supplies the world's leading
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) from a vast electronics portfolio,
ranging from sensors and actuators to on-board controllers (replacement
electronics) to advanced audio and entertainment (consumer electronics).
Electronics currently represent 22 percent of a vehicle's content and are
expected to grow to 40 percent of a vehicle's content by 2010 (source:
Automotive Industries, October 2000).
"Delphi understands the complex interaction of automotive electronic
components because we've been developing and manufacturing the electronics and
systems used in vehicles around the world for more than 50 years," said
Francisco A. (Frank) Ordonez, general manager, Delphi Aftermarket Operations.
"Our Delphi products will incorporate this expertise, bringing customers in
this segment the latest in automotive replacement and consumer electronics
technology. We'll also deliver critical, integrated service solutions to the
aftermarket, helping the market transition to the 'new economy.'"
The global automotive aftermarket audio/entertainment market is expected
to reach approximately $8.5 billion by 2003, with many new technologies
introduced. In the playback category, CDs and cassettes will be replaced with
digital compression and DVD. Digital and satellite receivers will replace
analogue receivers.
Delphi's premium audio and communications technology for the aftermarket
will include traditional audio playback plus MP3 players, satellite digital
radio, infotainment products and more.
Annually, Delphi produces more than 5 million audio systems for new
vehicles. The company provides end-to-end product offerings for audio
systems, including antennas, tuners, audio amplifiers and speakers that are
custom-designed for the individual vehicle's acoustics.
Delphi recently demonstrated one of the first mobile Satellite Digital
Audio Receiver Service (SDARS) systems with a connection to a digital radio
signal from XM Satellite Radio. The XM digital music signal was successfully
received by an open-air SDARS remote Delphi receiver and played through a
Delphi premium radio. SDARS provides the listener with more programming
information than traditional vehicle radios.
Additionally, Delphi's Communiport(R) Mobile Productivity Center (MPC)
will dock and synchronize with a Palm(TM) handheld and a cell phone with voice
recognition control and text-to-speech capability for hands-free, eyes-on-the-
road operation. The MPC will be available to order in December 2000.
Delphi, Palm, Inc. and Mayfield Fund recently launched MobileAria, a
company that will develop a new, hands-free mobile Internet service platform
for the automobile. MobileAria plans to provide an open platform to enable
"in-vehicle" access and management of personal information, mobile Internet
services and entertainment through a hands-free, "eyes on the road" voice-
activated interface. The initial service will be offered over integrated
hardware, consisting of Delphi's Communiport(R) Mobile Productivity Center
(MPC), a mobile phone and a Palm(TM) handheld. The MobileAria service will be
available in the second quarter of 2001.
The market for mobile multimedia technology is expected to grow by 30
percent each year over the next five years, and Delphi already has booked $2.9
billion worth of new business in this area through 2006.
Delphi's range of electronics products planned for the aftermarket
includes:
* MP3 Music Playback Capability -- This technology, one of the fastest-
growing electronic entertainment mediums in history, is part of Delphi's
mobile multimedia systems future products. It allows consumers to download
and play MP3 digital audio music in their vehicles using CD-ROM or disk drive
storage.
* Rear-Seat Entertainment System -- Delphi's Rear-Seat Entertainment
System allows rear-seat passengers to play Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)
movies, plug-in games or VHS tapes. The system features a seven-inch diagonal
color display of 6.8 inches, which flips down from the headliner to show
movies or games. A portable system also is available that can be strapped in
the back seat using a seatbelt.
* Radio Navigation System -- This is an affordable double-DIN navigation
system that integrates complete full-function, color map-based navigation with
radio, CD-ROM and audio playback.
* Sensor Technologies -- These technologies enhance vehicle features and
functions and are designed to analyze vehicle parameters and provide
information to critical vehicle systems, including ride and handling,
emissions, power and propulsion, safety, control and communications systems.
Delphi's sensor technology integrates sensors and circuits with bus
interfaces, providing component building blocks for an advanced digital
control system.
* Engine Control Units (ECU) -- This computer receives data from various
sensors and adjusts the amount of fuel sent to the engine accordingly.
Managing engine functions more precisely than mechanical controls, Delphi's
ECUs reduce emissions and fuel consumption, while increasing performance.