Microsoft’s Leading Automotive Platform Drives In-Car Telematics Systems Worldwide

REDMOND, Wash., July 15, 2002 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that Microsoft®
technology is featured in the computing and communications systems in 12 car models from five auto manufacturers. Unveiled this year in the U.S., Japan and European markets are BMW, Citron, Mitsubishi, Subaru and Volvo models showcasing advanced navigation, communication and infotainment devices that effectively deliver safe and reliable services to drivers and passengers on the road today.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Americans spend more than 500 million hours every week commuting in their cars. Delivering personalized services, diagnostics, hands-free communication capabilities, and other convenience and productivity applications to the car requires a flexible software platform that can bring a sophisticated computing environment into the automobile economically. Microsoft is leading this trend, making in-car computing a reality.

Microsoft provides Siemens VDO Automotive AG, the preferred navigation supplier of BMW of North America LLC; Clarion Co. Ltd., the preferred navigation supplier of Citron; and Mitsubishi Electric Corp., the preferred navigation supplier of Mitsubishi Motors Corp., Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (manufacturer of Subaru-brand cars) and Volvo Cars of North America LLC with Microsoft technology. The Windows®
operating system Powered solution is implemented in the following ways:

  • BMW’s 7 Series includes a navigation application, part of the innovative BMW iDrive concept.

  • Citron’s C5 and Xsara telematics solution includes turn-by-turn navigation capabilities, hands-free cellular phone control, voice recognition and text-to-speech, maintenance status, and wireless synchronization of data with mobile devices.

  • Mitsubishi’s Mirage Dingo, Airtrek, Lancer Cedia and Chariot Grandis include expert navigation capabilities.

  • Subaru’s Legacy Lancaster ADA (Japanese model) includes a leading-edge navigation system, part of the latest Active Driving Assist (ADA) feature, which helps drivers negotiate driving challenges such as sharp turns.

  • Volvo’s S60, S80, V70 and Cross Country models include a high-performance Road and Traffic Information (RTI) navigation system that incorporates locally based services and the Traffic Messenger Channel (TMC).

“We’ve invested considerable time and resources to build the most flexible, reliable and cost-effective technology to fit every type of car, from an entry-level sedan to a luxury model,”
said Bob McKenzie, general manager of the Automotive Business Unit at Microsoft.
“It’s tremendously satisfying to see our innovations implemented in today’s vehicles. Once consumers become accustomed to telematics products and services in the car, opportunities will soar.”

Earlier this month, an independent research report revealed that shipments of the company’s Windows embedded operating systems had more than doubled this year, demonstrating continuing industrywide support for Microsoft’s platform technologies. In addition, suppliers and automakers continue to line up behind Windows CE for Automotive, committing to offering drivers and passengers a unique, rich and safe telematics experience.

“This Windows Powered technology has a key competitive advantage, and our customers have a first-rate in-car computing experience,”
said Didier Cruse, chief strategy officer at Citron.
“The in-vehicle computing system provides drivers and passengers with turn-by-turn navigation capabilities, hands-free cellular phone control, AM/FM/CD entertainment, roadside assistance, voice recognition and text-to-speech, maintenance status, and synchronization of data with mobile devices.”

About Windows Powered Technology for Automotive

Microsoft has invested half a decade in providing the automotive industry with great software that delivers information, entertainment, communication and services in vehicles. The company works very closely with automakers, automotive electronics manufacturers and consumers to provide the embedded automotive market with the systems and tools for building the next generation of intelligent, Windows Powered devices that demand rich applications and Internet services for a wide range of flexible solutions.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.

Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

For more information on Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive:
http://www.microsoft.com/automotive/

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