Sony Showcases In-Vehicle Technologies at Detroit Auto Show

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Jan. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Cobo Center, Michigan Hall -- To satiate the appetite auto buffs have for car toys, Sony is showing off some of its latest in-vehicle concept products at the North American International Auto Show.

Sony Electronics is working closely with ASC Incorporated, a full-service design and product-development automotive supplier headquartered in the Detroit area, to produce eye-popping car interiors in a number of concept cars that are on display at the show this year.

"It has been invigorating to work with ASC to design concept vehicles," said Don Courvisier, vice president and general manager of Sony Automotive Entertainment Solutions, a unit of Sony Electronics. "Vehicle lovers look forward to the Detroit auto show every year for unique technological innovations, and this year ASC and Sony joined forces on some monumental concept cars."/P>

XYZ Navigation System
Popular in Japan and being shown for the first time as an in-car installation concept in the U.S. is the new XYZ navigation system, which creates 3-D rendering of a driver's course on the streets of Japan with lifelike images of buildings and road signs.

The XYZ system, which is featured in the ASC "Helios" four-door convertible concept car, is a GPS-driven, full-color mapping navigation system with a 30 GB hard drive. The unit includes a Memory Stick(R) media slot and PC connectivity for file transfer. It can be docked in the car or removed for use in the home or office.

Drivers can easily select their destination before starting the car with the system's high resolution, seven-inch touch screen. Renderings of surroundings, such as buildings and overpasses, help drivers navigate a directive line established for the course, while suggested lane approaches are shown clearly on the screen.

The XYZ system's hard drive can also store music, video clips and photos for passenger entertainment. As an extra luxury for the driver, a high- resolution camera with full color imagery provides rear vision assistance when the vehicle is in reverse.

Concept Cars
This year's highlight is the four-door Helios convertible outfitted with both the XYZ system and other Sony multimedia indulgences, resulting in top- notch sound and stunning images. The convertible is packed with the DVX-11A DVD player and two rear-screen monitors (model XVM-H65) for pure video bliss. A complete audio system with Sony's CDX-F7705X CD receiver and 13 speakers ensures captivating sound at highway speeds even when the top is down.

Pricing and Availability
The NW-XYZ navigation system is currently available in Japan for about $1,600 as an after-market product. Additional products are available in the U.S. through custom installers.

Source: Sony Electronics