Communication & Control Electronics and Alpine Electronics awarded for their work on the Jaguar Integrated Multimedia Communications System

Companies share Ford European Technology Achievement Award

Gaydon, UK– November 6th, 2002 – Alpine Electronics, UK and Communication & Control Electronics (C&CE), the leading supplier of multimedia and telematics network access solutions to the automotive industry, today announced that they are to share a Ford European Technology Achievement Award for their contributions to the Integrated Multimedia Communication System that has been deployed in the Jaguar X-Type, S-Type and new XJ saloon.

The Jaguar Integrated Multimedia Communications System uses high-speed multimedia networking technology from C&CE based on the D2B protocol to enable multiple modules to communicate and transfer audio, speech and navigation data between multiple nodes. The network is made up of modules including a Head Unit and touch screen display, CD Changer, Amplifier, Voice Control, Rear screens and Rear Audio, TV and Climate Control functions and it enables the driver to control of all these entities from a single screen interface. The network also reduces the overall cable load for this part of the vehicle electronics system with resulting weight and cost benefits. Alpine Electronics as a 1st tier supplier to Jaguar provides several nodes for this network, including the Head Unit, CD Changer, Amplifier and Rear Seat Entertainment.

The system also includes bridges to other vehicle networks, which allows the single screen interface and voice command unit to control comfort functions such as heating and air conditioning.

As part of this project Alpine Electronics and C&CE were deeply involved in the overall implementation and validation of the network. This involved working closely with the engineering team at Jaguar as well as the other 1st tier suppliers who supply modules to the network.

In the citation for this award several benefits of the system were noted, including: -

Quality Improvement – reduction in the number of hard-wired links and connectors
Customer Satisfaction – through ease of use of new feature content via simple interfaces
Safety – through clear, intuitive display of information and controls

“C&CE is very proud that our employees and technology have contributed to the seamless multimedia experience that is enjoyed by the drivers of these exciting Jaguar cars,” said Coco Ciocan, Managing Director of C&C Electronics. “To have been selected to receive this award, alongside our colleagues at Alpine Electronics, demonstrates our ability to provide innovative technology to the automotive industry.”

“It gives Alpine Electronics a great deal of pleasure to be selected to receive this award,” said Dave Sheen, OEM Sales and Marketing Director for Alpine Electronics UK, “The realisation of such a leading edge multimedia system for one of the world’s premier brands has involved a great deal of teamwork with Jaguar and C&CE, and we are very pleased that our efforts have been recognized by this award.”

About Alpine Electronics of UK Ltd.

Since its conception Alpine has been at the forefront of in car entertainment development, producing some of the worlds most advanced audio systems whilst leading the way in the latest on board navigation and multimedia applications. By focussing exclusively on in car systems, Alpine has earned a global reputation as a leader in its field and continues to work with a range of vehicle manufacturers including Jaguar delivering high quality infotainment products.

About Communications and Control Electronics

Communication and Control Electronics Limited (C&CE) is the leading company dedicated to the design, development and manufacture of in-car information and entertainment networks. C&CE is a pioneer of the world’s first standard for fully-integrated multimedia and telematics network, working with market leaders such as Daimler-Chrysler and Jaguar since 1990 to bring the world’s first cars with distributed multimedia network into production and developed the first true automotive multimedia and telematics networking IC – CONAN®.

For more information, contact:

Nick Bailey, OEM New Business Development, Alpine Electronics of UK Ltd., +44 2476 719543, nick.bailey@alpine-electronics.co.uk
Steve Evans, Sales and Marketing Director, C&C Electronics, +44 7713 106503, steve.evans@candc.co.uk