Visteon Helps Connect Drivers and Passengers to Their Vehicles . . . and Their Vehicles to the World

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Visteon Corporation has developed a range of innovative solutions aimed at supporting consumers' desire to access the digital world from their vehicles.

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Through extensive consumer research, Visteon confirmed that today's new car buyers prefer to stay connected with their personal networks, the Internet and other data and information sources while in their vehicles - either through their own devices or through modems embedded in the vehicles. Visteon also gained insight into the growing number of connectivity "gateways" that drivers favor in vehicles.

Applying its expertise in audio, infotainment and driver information systems, Visteon has worked with leading wireless carriers, chipset manufacturers, and software developers to create end-to-end solutions for keeping consumers connected, comfortably and conveniently, while on the road. Visteon is showcasing many of these connectivity solutions in the Central Plaza (CP13) at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Jan. 7-10.

Visteon's most recent research showed nearly half of new vehicle buyers would consider adding a connectivity package to give them access to the Internet in their vehicles. When looking specifically at consumers that are under 45 years of age, this number rises to nearly 60 percent. Within this younger demographic, consumers show a strong preference for using their own personal devices for connectivity, as opposed to modems built into the vehicle.

"Our research shows increasing consumer reliance on mobile electronics devices and the desire to use these devices to stay connected in the vehicle," said Tim Yerdon, director, global innovation, design and advanced electronics for Visteon. "Visteon's goal is to make it convenient for drivers and passengers to stay connected in any way they desire, whether it's built in, brought in or beamed in."

Bringing these technologies into vehicles, and integrating them to make it easy, convenient and enjoyable to be connected while driving, are at the core of Visteon's mobile electronics development efforts. Visteon is focused on developing logical, intuitive interfaces for drivers and passengers that keep them connected, while at the same time, help them keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Specific examples of Visteon's end-to-end connectivity solutions will be on display at CES. These include:

• Visteon's next-generation infotainment platform provides cutting-edge infotainment functionality and integrates "standard" connectivity features, including iPod®, USB, Bluetooth® wireless technology, Wi-Fi® and Internet access. The platform also utilizes open-source software to facilitate the development of third-party applications that can leverage Internet connections.
• Visteon collaborated with leading white-label app store platform SaaS (Software as a Service) provider Apps2Market (http://www.apps2market.com) to develop online marketplace solutions designed specifically for automakers. These solutions include a range of options that allow consumers to download applications and content to customize their vehicle's infotainment system and interface. Visteon can provide automakers with a range of options from a back-end infrastructure that allows automakers to easily manage their own online stores to a complete turnkey online marketplace solution.
• Visteon also created a wide range of applications developed specifically for use in connected vehicles. Features on display at CES include navigation, traffic cameras, Internet radio, voice-over Internet protocol (VoIP), media managers and rear seat entertainment. Visteon is working with leading consumer companies and software providers to continually add new applications to its rapidly expanding portfolio.

These solutions represent the next evolution of Visteon's audio and infotainment platforms. At CES, Visteon is also displaying a range of more traditional connectivity modules and audio head units featuring USB, iPod® and Bluetooth® wireless technology as standard features.

Visteon Corporation is a leading global automotive supplier that designs, engineers and manufactures innovative climate, interior, electronic and lighting products for vehicle manufacturers, and also provides a range of products and services to aftermarket customers. With corporate offices in Van Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Chelmsford, UK; the company has facilities in 26 countries and employs approximately 30,000 people.

SOURCE Visteon Corporation