Parrot Continues its Legacy of Automotive Technological Innovation at SEMA

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Nov. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Parrot, market leader in wireless devices for mobile phones, showcases its latest automotive aftermarket and OEM products and features at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.  The company also announces significant growth of its Certified Installer Program, signaling Parrot's commitment and support to its retail partners.

Parrot's dedication to hands-free connectivity in-vehicle is highlighted by the introduction of TextFriendly, Parrot's new text-to-voice hands-free feature for select aftermarket installed product lines. Additionally, Parrot announced the U.S. debut of the Parrot MINIKIT Smart, a new Bluetooth® hands-free kit with a docking bay designed for all Smartphones and navigation software, on Nov. 2. The company will also be demonstrating its latest OEM solution, the FC 6100 which adds Wi-Fi connectivity to the range of infotainment technologies currently available.    

"Staying connected is not an easy task when you're on the go," said Parrot's North American Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Christian Coly. "By making it easier for consumers to focus on using the features of their cell phone hands-free, drivers can concentrate on driving and keep their eyes on the road with Parrot's easy and intuitive technology."

Parrot TextFriendly enables Parrot customers to have their emails/ text messages read to them and send emails/ texts by voice command, completely hands-free. The feature is available on Parrot MKi and CK product lines. See Parrot.com for the full line of hands-free car kits.

Parrot MINIKIT Smart, compatible with all navigation software available and all operating systems, is a docking bay that connects via Bluetooth and can simultaneously manage hands-free conversations and navigation applications. The MINIKIT Smart can store up to 10 different phone books (2,000 contacts per Smartphone) and can then be used by several drivers.

To enable high-quality conversations, the MINIKIT Smart is equipped with a retractable microphone and has one-week autonomy on standby, 10 hours of talk time and can be recharged using the in-vehicle DC power outlet.

Parrot's latest OEM solution, the FC 6100 series, is built on the Android framework and introduces Wi-Fi connectivity to the whole vehicle allowing for new features such as mapping and POI services, Internet radio, navigation and more.  Parrot's software library including hands-free telephony, speaker independent voice recognition, media management and acoustics is also integrated into the FC 6100. Parrot currently provides in-vehicle technology with hand-free telephony capabilities in several OEM brands including Audi, Hyundai/Kia, and most recently BMW and Mini.

The company also announced momentum in its Certified Installer Program (CIP) with 50 percent membership increase in the past year, as well as the 2010 CIP of the Year,  DeShawn Howard of Drops Mobile Electronics (http://www.dropsmobile.com/) of Atlanta specializes in sales and installation for any vehicle.

Now two years old, Parrot's Certified Installer Program is designed to help authorized independent 12-volt retailers compete, sell and install car kits more profitably.  To help retailers sell to this broad customer base, Parrot's Certified Installer Program focuses on strengthening the relationship between Parrot and the installer and enhancing the consumer's shopping experience through expanded retailer sales training and point of sale support. The retailers also connect with Parrot via a Facebook page with up-to-date resources and news.

About PARROT

Parrot, a global leader in wireless devices for mobile phones, stands on the cutting edge of innovation. The company was founded in 1994 by Henri Seydoux as part of his determination to drive the inevitable breakthrough of mobile phones into everyday life by creating high-quality, user-friendly wireless devices for easy living. Parrot has developed the most extensive range of hands-free systems on the market for cars, motorbikes and scooters, including wireless multimedia products geared towards audiovisual applications. In 2008, Parrot launched a new prestige line of high-end products bearing the hallmark of renowned artists and in 2010, the AR.Drone, the first quadricopter piloted via Wi-Fi and using augmented reality.

Parrot, headquartered in Paris, currently employs 450 people worldwide and generates 85% of its sales overseas. Parrot is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris since 2006. (FR0004038263 – PARRO)

More information : www.parrot.com / www.ardrone.com / www.parrotoem.com

®The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Parrot S.A. is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

SOURCE Parrot