Hyundai, Motorola to provide in-car Bluetooth

AUSTIN, Texas -- Hyundai Autonet has selected Motorola as a major partner for digital entertainment and Bluetooth hands-free products and services. The two companies said the combination of Motorola's and Hyundai Autonet's strengths is expected to lead to a cost-effective integration of capability-tiered Bluetooth hands-free solutions, making these features more for consumers.

"Motorola is the world's number one supplier of semiconductors for automotive applications. By harnessing its legacy in RF technologies and market-leading cellular and Bluetooth expertise into automotive embedded solutions, Motorola has made itself the partner of choice for creating intelligent automobiles for today and tomorrow," said J. J. Yoon, president of Hyundai Autonet.

Combining its audio processing architecture, specialized peripherals, software technologies and development tools, Motorola has developed what is called the Symphony family of audio devices. These digital audio and related next-generation solutions can be expected to set a new standard for vehicle digital entertainment applications. Based on results measured in early prototype development, consumers can anticipate a significant improvement compared to existing solutions.

This most recent collaboration between Hyundai Autonet and Motorola springs from a history of successful cooperation. For example, during the past year, the two companies have worked together on four technical projects. Motorola provided support and expertise for the development of entertainment products and Bluetooth automotive wireless applications, as well as Driver Information Systems. Plans are underway for cooperation in other leading technologies.

Surge in demand

The two companies said the demand for this type of product is expected to surge over the next couple of years. Motorola and Hyundai Autonet teams are collaborating to demonstrate the fruits of their endeavor as early as the fourth quarter of 2002, with pilot production in 2003 and full production by 2004. 

"To satisfy the relentless demand of today's drivers for smart wireless communications and seamless infotainment, you need core competencies as well as smart ideas," said Scott Anderson, general manager of Motorola's Transportation and Standard Products Group. "At Motorola, not only do we have exceptional RF technologies, leading edge Bluetooth Audio Signal Processors (BTASP), and best-in-class audio quality, but we also believe a vehicle doesn't start with a key, but with a dream. That's why we are very pleased to expand our successful relationship with Hyundai Autonet, a company of such stature that shares our long-term visions."

Motorola is one of the nine companies participating as Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) promoters -- the highest membership level available -- and has announced over 25 qualified Bluetooth products to date. In performance comparisons, Motorola's Bluetooth solution has demonstrated a superior user experience through a design that provides up to four times the range, plus capacity for twice as many ad hoc networks, along with operating sensitivity to noise sources fifty percent better than that required by Bluetooth standards.

The Bluetooth system solution from Motorola builds upon Bluetooth's native capability to deliver the highest quality audio possible. A key component of Motorola's approach to delivering high quality audio over Bluetooth is the BTASP that has been designed into the MC71000 Protocol Controller.

Multimedia world

Hyundai Autonet is creating "multimedia world inside the car" as a Korean leading automotive electronics supplier including multimedia, network and other electronics parts. By investing core R&D areas like Digital Sound System, Car AV / Navigation, Telematics, Voice Recognition Technology, Network Solution and Safety & Power Train Electronics, Hyundai Autonet is developing "Infotainment" system enabling drivers to enjoy information and entertainment at the same time inside the car.

Last year, Motorola announced that it was the exclusive provider to Ford Motor Company of the new Lincoln Vehicle Communications System (VCS), an integrated communication and telematics system, available on model year 2002 Lincoln cars. 

"The Motorola Timeport integrated hands-free phone and telematics system provides Lincoln drivers with an enhanced communications experience, typical of the luxury they expect from Lincoln," said Ray Sokola, corporate vice president and general manager for Motorola's Telematics Communications Group, a unit of the Automotive Communications and Electronic Systems (ACES) Group. "We are excited about the opportunity to work with Lincoln, as they offer the latest Motorola technology to their drivers."

Motorola and BMW

Also last year, Motorola and BMW 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. 

"Our drivers have high expectations for their vehicle performance, technology, and communication capabilities. BMW's integrated telematics communications system demonstrates our commitment to provide customers with the best hands-free communications technology," said Detlef Kleine, after sales merchandising manager for BMW of North America, LLC.