Microsoft technology powers the navigation feature used in BMW’s innovative new iDrive telematics system. (Click for high-resolution image)
REDMOND, Wash., March 4, 2002 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that the BMW 7 Series, the line of cars introduced last month in the United States, features Microsofts robust, real-time embedded operating system, Windows
CE. This announcement comes shortly after Microsofts Automotive Business Unit launched Windows CE for Automotive v3.5, the newest version of its telematics software platform based on Windows CE, and announced an end-to-end solution to enable the auto industry to cost-effectively implement and maintain advanced automotive telematics.
Siemens VDO Automotive AG, the preferred navigation supplier of BMW, is using the Microsoft® Windows CE operating system in the Control Display, which is part of the innovative BMW iDrive concept. Microsofts technology is available to BMW motorists worldwide, delivering an advanced in-car computing experience.
“When we heard about BMWs telematics vision, we knew the exceptional quality in Microsoft technology would fit hand-in-hand,”
said Bob McKenzie, general manager of Microsofts Automotive Business Unit.
“The iDrive concept is a unique one, and were proud to power the graphical user interface in the Control Display.”
The iDrive concept and the Control Display enable easy operation of, and convenient access to, the myriad of features at the drivers disposal, including the navigation, telephone, climate control and entertainment systems. This presents a bold new concept for interaction between the driver and automobile. The BMW 7 Series was launched in Germany in fall 2001. It is now available in North America and will be available in other markets this spring.
This is the first of several related announcements to come from Microsofts Automotive Business Unit.
About BMW Group in North America
BMW of North America LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Since then, the BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales and financial service organizations for the BMW, BMW Motorcycles and MINI brands; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; DESIGNWORKS/USA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley; and various other operations throughout the country. The BMW Group is represented in the United States through a network of 341 car, 321 sports activity vehicle and 153 motorcycle retailers. BMW U.S. Holding Corp., the Groups headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, N.J.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the World Wide Web on the BMW home pages at http://www.bmwusa.com/ , http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/ and http://www.miniusa.com/ .
About Siemens VDO
Siemens VDO Automotive is one of the worlds leading suppliers of electronics, electrics and mechatronics to the automotive industry. As development partner of the automotive industry, the company manufactures products for powertrain, engine control electronics and fuel injection technology, which improve engine performance and reduce emissions. Information and car communication systems with instrumentation, audio and navigation terminals, telematics and multimedia applications right through to complete cockpits provide increased ride comfort and ease of operation. Siemens VDO products for chassis and car body such as airbag, ABS and fuel systems or access control systems contribute to greater safety and security. A separate Trading division markets products for retrofitting in cars and commercial vehicles, with the main focus on fleet management and audio and navigation systems. In the 2001 business year (Sept. 30, 2001), Siemens VDO Automotive generated sales of 5.7 billion euros with 45,000 employees.
About Windows CE for Automotive
The Automotive Business Unit at Microsoft has invested half a decade to provide 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 develop its telematics software platform. Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive is a platform built on Windows CE, a robust, real-time embedded operating system, which enables new categories of in-car computers designed to safely provide drivers and passengers with hands-free communication, access to personalized information on the Internet, and an array of convenience and entertainment applications. Windows CE for Automotive is an open platform that allows developers to quickly create powerful in-car computing solutions. It offers flexibility and choice of computing platforms, hardware peripherals and software components, as well as a large community of experienced developers for Windows CE.
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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