Delphi Communications Technologies Keep Drivers In Touch and At Ease
12 June 2000
Delphi Communications Technologies Keep Drivers In Touch and At Ease
BRIGHTON, Mich. - Delphi Automotive Systems is anticipating and responding
to drivers' needs for greater convenience, comfort, connectivity and
entertainment while on the road by offering automotive innovations on the
leading edge of technology. At the forefront of Delphi's driver-friendly
advancements are technologies aimed at improving communications and comfort
during the driving experience. Delphi is hosting a group of leading buy- and
sell-side security analysts at its technical center here allowing them hands-on
experience with these and other advanced technologies.
The nucleus of Delphi's communications technologies is its Communiport(R)
brand infotainment system, which integrates voice-activated, hands-free
operation of a personal computer; communications; Internet browser; multimedia
entertainment; and cellular phone technology. Delphi's Communiport(R) open
computing platform and flexible design integrate advances in wireless
communication, flat-panel displays and voice processing to bring more
information, communication and entertainment capability to vehicles.
"With people spending more and more time in their vehicles, there's a
growing need for automotive products that enhance the driving experience
beyond vehicle performance," said Robert W. Schumacher, director, Delphi
Mobile MultiMedia group.
Schumacher said that now, more than ever, vehicles need to serve as more
than just a means to get from one place to another. "They often serve as an
office away from home, a mobile entertainment center, a navigation system and
other such typically non-traditional automotive functions. Automakers are
clamoring to serve drivers' needs in these capacities and Delphi is the
partner that can offer the technologies consumers desire."
Communications Technologies
Delphi multimedia communications products and technologies aimed at
improving the overall driving experience include:
* Voice Recognition - This voice recognition technology allows the driver
to keep his or her hands on the steering wheel by eliminating the need to
manually operate smart infotainment systems functions. Delphi was the first
major technology supplier to deliver a voice recognition system for GM's
OnStar in 1996. Delphi's speech recognition program supports a variety of
languages, including English, German, European French, European Spanish and
Japanese.
* Telematics - Allows drivers to enjoy hands-free call center
communication for directions, emergency requests such as remote vehicle lock
and unlock, stolen vehicle tracking, collision detection and theft detection.
* Communiport(R) 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.
* Communiport(R) Rear-Seat Audio/Visual Systems - A new entertainment
system featuring a 7-inch full-color screen, game station, Digital Versatile
Disc player and power supply so any consumer electronics products -- CD, VCR,
DVD, MP3 player -- can be used in the vehicle. Applications include seat-top
and floor-mount units for the aftermarket and an integrated headliner system
for OEM installation.
* Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) Technology - Delphi is
the first automotive supplier to license the SDARS technology and to enter
development agreements with both XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio
(formerly CD Radio, Inc.). Delphi also recently completed the first-ever
agreements to develop and manufacture original equipment radios capable of
receiving AM, FM and XM Satellite Radio signals for new GM vehicles.
* MP3 Music Playback Capability - This technology, one of the fastest-
growing electronic entertainment mediums in history, is part of Delphi's
Communiport(R) brand of mobile multimedia systems. It allows consumers to
download and play MP3 digital audio music directly into their vehicles using
flash memory or CD-ROM format.
* Mobile Internet Browsing - Drivers can access e-mail and download
information from their vehicles using the new Wireless Application Protocol
(WAP) and Wireless Mark-Up Language (WML).
* Bluetooth Universal Connectivity - A user-friendly technology that
allows hands-free, on-board operation of portable cell phones and other
portable computing devices based on the new standardized Bluetooth wireless
interface technology.
* Monsoon(TM) PC Speakers - This three-dimensional sound system provides
personal computer users with the ultimate audio experience.
* Communiport(R) Mobile Productivity Center - Allows the consumer to dock
and synchronize with a handheld Palm V(TM) personal digital assistant using
Palm's HotSync technology. With the Delphi MPC system, users can download and
read e-mail messages and other stored information, dictate and send electronic
mail, record new appointments and memos, download and read simple Internet
text, and dial and store phone numbers.
* Infotainment PC - Powered by Microsoft Windows CE(R) operating system,
Infotainment PC is the first mobile multimedia operating computing platform to
be featured in vehicles. In addition to premium audio, Infotainment PC offers
navigation, e-mail, web browsing, voice memo, hands-free cell phone, voice
recognition and text-to-speech technologies.
Comfort Technologies
Delphi has also developed an array of technologies that provide drivers
and passengers with the optimum in driving comfort and convenience:
* Advanced Thermal Management System - Designed to help ensure driver and
passenger comfort, this climate control system will automatically adjust air
temperature and distribution based on occupant presence and position in the
vehicle. The system, which combines advanced sensing systems, hands-free
voice sensing and multi-zone comfort control, reduces the need for manual
adjustments while maintaining individual comfort preferences.
* One-Touch Adjustable Steering Column - With the push of a single lever,
this tilt and telescopic system allows drivers to adjust the steering column
to a comfortable position, enhancing personalization and convenience.
* Power Products - Products include "hands-free" power sliding doors with
remote activation; hatch and liftgates with automatic power opening and
closing; rear compartment lids with automatic opening and closing; and sliding
glass for electronic opening and closing of rear panels on pickup trucks.
Designed to give consumers a new level of convenience and safety, these
products are easily incorporated into any vehicle's design to enhance its
marketability.
* Center Console Bin - Rear-seat bin that provides cooled or heated snack
storage for long trips and is a convenient complement to watching a movie or
playing a game.
Delphi launched its mobile multimedia business in June 1998. By January
2000, just eighteen months later, it had won $2.5 billion in new booked
business. Delphi expects mobile multimedia sales of $200 million in 2000, up
from $40 million in 1999. In addition, business booked now approaches $2.9
billion, including eight significant customer contracts for Communiport(R)
technologies. Delphi expects that by 2005 approximately 60 percent of its
business will be comprised of electronics and high-tech systems.
Further expanding its presence in the mobile multimedia arena, Delphi has
announced several new corporate partnerships that benefit consumers by
combining Delphi's leading-edge automotive technology with the latest
developments in the high-tech industry. For example, Delphi is partnering
with Ericsson Mobile Communications AB to bring telematics products to the
vehicles market. Also, Delphi recently announced that its Communiport(R)
brand communication system is being offered as an option on the 2001 Cadillac
Seville and DeVille models, which will bring a wealth of new information,
connectivity and navigation services into the vehicle. Most recently, Delphi
and Palm, Inc. announced an initiative to develop new multimedia products and
services for vehicles.
Multinational Delphi Automotive Systems, with headquarters in Troy, Mich.,
USA, Paris, Tokyo and Sao Paulo, Brazil, is a world leader in transportation
and mobile electronics components and systems technology. Delphi's three
business sectors -- Dynamics & Propulsion; Safety, Thermal & Electrical
Architecture; and Electronics & Mobile Communication -- provide comprehensive
product solutions to complex customer needs. Delphi has approximately 213,000
employees and operates 176 wholly owned manufacturing sites, 41 joint
ventures, 53 customer centers and sales offices and 30 technical centers in 38
countries. Delphi can be found on the Internet at http://www.delphiauto.com
