Digital Music Will Soon Be Available at the Touch of a Button or Using
 Voice Commands Thanks to Telematics Solutions from Continental Automotive
                                  Systems

    FRANKFURT, Germany and GENEVA, March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Telematics solutions from the Automotive Systems Division of international
automotive supplier Continental AG will make the wireless connection of
portable devices, like MP3 players and PDAs, even easier and more
convenient. Continental Automotive Systems, whose integrated Bluetooth and
telematics systems have already been installed in more than twelve million
vehicles, is designing intelligent electronics that will wirelessly connect
portable devices and external digital content to the car enabling drivers
to access their personal music collection in new ways while on the move.
Not only will drivers have the ability to conduct hands-free mobile phone
calls but they also will be able to play digital music in their car and
access songs using voice commands, controls in the steering wheel or
instrument panel. The next- generation Continental Automotive Systems
telematics products in development will be adaptable to future wireless
technologies and standards by software updates, making it easier to stay
connected to the latest devices.
    Bluetooth and voice recognition: both hands on the wheel
    The new Continental Automotive Systems telematics systems create an in-
vehicle communications network that rapidly integrates portable devices and
digital content into cars. For instance, in the case of digital music,
hands stay on the steering wheel and eyes stay on the road. Digital music
can be transferred via Bluetooth wireless technology or USB connection. The
USB connection also can charge the device's battery simultaneously. The
driver can navigate through the device's menu using voice commands or by
pushbutton control in the same way he currently operates a permanently
installed CD player. So, for example, he can navigate playback lists or
specifically choose individual songs in the memory of the MP3 player, PDA
or cell phone.
    Greater comfort and convenience when phoning
    Continental Automotive Systems' telematics systems also wirelessly
download a mobile phone's address book into the car, support personalized
ringtones and stored speed dialing numbers, use text-to-speech to read
incoming short messages (SMS) aloud if desired and allows up to twelve
Bluetooth phones to be connected to the system. If a mobile phone call is
initiated outside the car and is to be continued in the car, the telematics
unit automatically transfers the call without interruption to the car's
hands- free system when the ignition is switched on. Alternatively, a phone
module for service and assistance functions and mobile internet access can
be built into the telematics unit.
    "Continental Automotive Systems recognizes that development cycles in
the field of consumer electronics are much shorter than in the automotive
industry," comments Kieran O`Sullivan, Head of Continental Automotive
Systems Telematics business unit. "Future portable devices can be supported
by new software updates or new hardware components." The telematics
solutions also recognize the needs of the car manufacturers in that these
components can be combined into a wireless communications gateway which can
be integrated into the car and connected up to its networks.
    The Continental Corporation is a leading automotive supplier of brake
systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical
elastomers. In 2006 the corporation realized sales of euro 14.9 billion. At
present it has a worldwide workforce of around 85,000.
    As a worldwide leading technology partner to the automotive industry,
the Automotive Systems Division of Continental AG integrates extensive
know-how and uncompromising quality in the fields of driving safety,
embedded telematics and hands-free communication systems, powertrain and
comfort. In 2006 the Division achieved sales of approximately euro 6
billion with a workforce of more than 30,000. Continental Automotive
Systems develops and produces electronic and hydraulic brake, stability and
chassis control systems, electronic air suspension systems, sensors, engine
management and transmission control systems, hybrid drives, cooling fan
modules, body and security electronics and also is the industry leader of
embedded telematics and communication systems in vehicles.

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CONTACT:
Sue Frederick, office +1-248-393-5273, mobile
+1-248-790-7277, or sue.frederick@us.contiautomoitve.com, or Jim
Gill, M.S., APR, office +1-248-393-5210, mobile +1-248-882-6309,
or jim.gill@us.contiautomotive.com, both of Continental AG

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