GENEVA, March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens VDO Automotive is sharing its
vision of the cockpit of the future during the Geneva International Motor Show
2002. The company's BREEZE concept design study on display during the show
illustrates the refreshing design, high-quality materials, intelligent
technology and ergonomically optimized control system characteristics future
cockpit systems are expected to employ.
Along with mobile Internet access, the BREEZE cockpit concept of the
future features smooth and clear surface areas that are only interrupted by a
main controller and the required hazard lights switch. All main functions now
are controlled directly from the steering wheel through integrated, two-
barrel, thumb-level switches developed in cooperation with Siemens VDO
Automotive's Norwegian partner, Telenostra. Drivers can easily navigate
through on-board system menus by manipulating a cylindrical switch that moves
a cursor in corresponding directions.
This innovative new design, which better utilizes the inherent
ergonomic advantages of the steering wheel, allows drivers to maintain better
focus on the road and promote the elimination of unnecessary distractions.
The BREEZE cockpit concept also promotes the elimination of distractions
by relocating turn signals and hazard lights switches to integrated finger
trays on the back of the steering wheel. The need for traditional steering
column-mounted instrument stalks are eliminated by utilizing a rain sensor to
activate windshield wipers, a running light assistant to control headlights
and moving interior illumination controls to the driver-side door.
The next generation of road safety features also are included in the
cockpit concept. To help drivers stay alert, the on-board computer gives the
steering wheel a shake when it recognizes potentially dangerous situations
such as an excessive increase in vehicle speed, insufficient distance between
other vehicles on the road or the subtle drift of unintended lane departure.
A rotating tactile feedback knob located on the center console controls
infotainment functions. From here, the system's 10-inch monitor, complete
with appealing graphics, gives the driver access to a variety of vehicle
functions through an intuitively navigated menu interface.
Invisible to the eye, the BREEZE concept's seamlessly integrated surface
speakers convert the cockpit itself into a large-area speaker membrane and
uses small, exciters hidden on the inside of the cockpit to cause large areas
such as air ducts and the instrument panel to vibrate creating sound. This
innovative design approach eliminates large speaker membranes, deep housings
and obtrusive decorative grids associated with traditional audio systems and
opens tremendous space in the cockpit, allowing designers and mechanical
engineers more freedom in cockpit design.
Siemens VDO Automotive is a tier-one supplier of automotive
electronic/electrical systems and components with applications covering
gasoline and diesel powertrain systems, safety and chassis systems, body
electronics and interior and infotainment. Worldwide sales reflecting partial
fiscal year 2000/2001 totaled $5.0 billion.
On Jan. 1, 2002, Siemens Automotive Corp. and VDO North America merged to
form Siemens VDO Automotive in the United States.
Siemens AG (NYSE: SI), headquartered in Munich, is a leading global
electronics and engineering company. It employs more than 450,000 people in
193 countries and reported worldwide sales in excess of $72.7 billion in
fiscal 2001 (10/1/00 - 9/30/01).
The United States is Siemens' largest market, with 77,000 employees and
sales of more than $18.9 billion in fiscal 2001. Siemens is a leading
provider of advanced technology solutions in the information and
communications, medical, power, automation and control, transportation and
lighting sectors.
SOURCE Siemens VDO Automotive
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Related links:
http://www.usa.siemensvdo.com
CONTACT:
David Ladd of Siemens VDO Automotive,
+1-248-209-5822, or david.ladd@at.siemens.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: Please see Web Site for high-resolution artwork
(www.usa.siemensvdo.com ).
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