Motorola and BMW Showcase Integrated Telematics

Leading global telecom equipment supplier, Motorola and Germany's leading upmarket automobile manufacturer, BMW, have teamed up to showcase an integrated telematics communications system at the 2001 New York Auto Show.

Working together, Motorola and BMW designed a communications system that effortlessly connects BMW vehicles to the world while keeping drivers' hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

According to Detlef Kleine, after-sales merchandising manager for BMW in North America, the integrated telematics communications system demonstrates the German auto major's commitment to provide customers with the best hands-free communication technology. This is in keeping with their high expectations for BMW vehicle performance, technology, and communication capabilities.

According to Tim McCarthy, director of marketing at Motorola's Telematics Communications Group, Motorola's rich heritage of serving the automotive industry with integrated technology could well result in the integrated telematics system, being show cased at the auto show, becoming the standard equipment on all cars in the near future. He also stressed that Motorola's love affair with the auto industry began long way back in 1929 when the first portable transistor for automobiles was invented and which went on to become an integrated part of automobiles.

The joint efforts of the two companies, is based on digital CPT 8000 phone system, which features the Motorola Timeport (TM) digital telematics phone and operates on most digital cellular networks nationwide. This can also be used both inside and outside the car.

The portable phone snaps into a console cradle in the armrest, custom built for aesthetics and convenience. Specially designed software in the phone interfaces with in-vehicle electronics to provide effortless communications from dial-up to hang-up. For example, drivers can begin and end calls with a touch of the call control button on the multi-function steering wheel without taking their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel. Voice activation is also available as an accessory. In addition, advanced digital signal processors detect and eliminate background noise and echo for enhanced call clarity. The system even provides caller ID information on a convenient display in the instrument panel.

All BMW vehicles, except the Z3 model, are factory pre-wired for the integrated telematics communications system. As of January 15th, 2001, the integrated telematics communications systems are a standard feature on BMW's 7 Series vehicles, and available as a dealer installed accessory on all other Model Year 2001 vehicles.