XM Satellite Radio and Pioneer, Sony and Alpine Unveil Retail Radios

LAS VEGAS, -- XM Satellite Radio and six major manufacturers unveiled 24 different models of XM-ready radios, including a complete product line of retail radios from Pioneer and Alpine and an innovative unit from Sony that can "plug and play" in car and home. Also at its news conference at the 2001 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), XM kicked off a 72-hour countdown to the launch of its first satellite, which will prepare XM to deliver up to 100 channels of digital- quality sound coast-to-coast beginning this summer.
"XM's retail and factory-installed satellite radios, coupled with our revolutionary programming, will redefine radio," said XM President and CEO Hugh Panero. "Add the reach and depth of America's leading car stereo makers, and it won't be long before everybody will want -- even need -- an XM radio."

Pioneer Electronics and Alpine Electronics of America will fully integrate the XM models into their retail product lines, offering something for everybody, from basic low-cost models to feature-rich models with multiple CDs. Pioneer will offer 14 XM models and Alpine will offer six, both this summer. Sony Electronics' "plug and play" unit, about the size, shape and weight of a radar detector, will slip into an electronic sleeve in a car or on a tabletop at the home or office. All the radios will be available nationwide at retailers such as Best Buy, Circuit City and Sears. In addition, Blaupunkt, Clarion and Delphi-Delco Electronics Systems each unveiled an XM model that will be available for factory installation in new cars beginning this year. An XM-ready car stereo system will cost about $150 more than a conventional AM-FM system.

At CES, XM Radio will offer a sneak preview of its revolutionary programming, allowing visitors to the XM booth (North Hall, #6610) to sample a broad array of channels including classic country, 60s, classic rock, jazz, comedy, children's programming, blues, classical, sports and news. In addition, members of XM's programming team will deliver the XM sound experience live from a studio within the booth. Journalists will have opportunities throughout the weekend to take XM "Listen-and-Drive" demonstrations, sampling XM channels as they ride through Las Vegas in an XM-radio equipped car. XM's booth this weekend will also feature appearances by a host of entertainers and athletes reflecting the diversity of XM's channel lineup, including NASCAR champion Bobby Allison, baseball great Pete Rose, singer/songwriters Peter Frampton, Wynton Marsalis, Jon Anderson of Yes, Alan Parsons, and comedienne Nanci Griffith.

XM Begins 72-Hour Countdown to Satellite Launch
When its service begins this summer, XM will broadcast seamless national signals from "Rock" and "Roll," its two Boeing 702 satellites, the most powerful commercial satellites ever manufactured, in geostationary orbit above the United States. The XM signal will transmit directly to XM radios across the continental United States. By using these two powerful satellites, combined with an extensive terrestrial repeater network in urban markets, XM Radio will ensure maximum signal and system reliability.

XM also announced today that its first satellite (XM Roll) will launch at 2:35 p.m. PST on Monday, Jan. 8. XM will offer a live satellite broadcast of Monday's launch beginning at 2 p.m. (PST) through its Web site at http://www.xmradio.com. The launch will also be broadcast on the Sea Launch Web site at http://www.sea-launch.com. Networks can access footage of the launch on GE Transponder 10, 3900 MHZ.

The satellite, built by industry leader Boeing Satellite Systems (BSS), will be launched by Sea Launch Company LLC, the world's only ocean-based launch services company, offering the most direct and cost-effective route to transfer orbit. The satellite left Sea Launch's Homeport in Long Beach, California, on December 25, traveling approximately 3,000 miles to the equator on the Sea Launch Commander.

XM will transform radio, an industry that hasn't seen a technological change since FM, almost 40 years ago. XM's strategic investors include America's leading car, radio and satellite TV companies -- American Honda Motor Co. Inc., General Motors, Clear Channel Communications, DIRECTV and Motient Corporation (Nasdaq: MTNT), which holds a controlling interest in the company. The company has a long-term distribution agreement with General Motors to integrate XM-Ready radios into its vehicles commencing in 2001. For more information, please visit XM's website: www.xmradio.com.

Source: XM Satellite Radio, Inc.