Pioneer Adds Second Full-Featured System to Family of Navigation Produ

    Business Editors/High-Tech Writers
    2005 International CES
    Booth #9826

    LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 5, 2005--

AVIC-D1 Can Receive Detailed Traffic Information from XM NavTraffic,
    Offers Audio Entertainment, Vehicle Dynamics and
    Emergency Information in Double DIN chassis

    Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. introduced today another new, full-featured, in-car navigation system designed for the millions of vehicles with dashboards that require a double din sized chassis. The AVIC-D1 is a complete navigation system with dynamic route guidance. Because it is capable of receiving detailed traffic information from XM NavTraffic, it also offers traffic alerts and re-routing around traffic incidents. The system offers complete audio entertainment and has an emergency information feature.
    "Pioneer is leading the development of the aftermarket navigation market in the United States with a series of truly innovative products. We were the first to introduce an aftermarket navigation system capable of receiving XM NavTraffic and now we're adding a second, similar system, that caters to the tremendous number of vehicles that require a double-din sized chassis," said Michael Townsen, director of marketing for mobile entertainment at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "We believe that our continued product innovation will help us maintain our number one position in the market as the navigation business grows."

    XM NavTraffic

    The AVIC-D1 can receive satellite-based traffic information using XM NavTraffic, which is then displayed on the system's 6.5-inch touch screen monitor. The system graphically communicates traffic incidents and road flow conditions by means of traffic icons that enable the driver to quickly identify road events relative to the vehicle's location. In advance, the system suggests alternate routes around major traffic incidents and heavily congested roads. These features help keep drivers in touch with their surroundings at all times.
    With a quick touch of the screen, the Pioneer AVIC-D1 can receive XM NavTraffic's detailed list of traffic events, showing local road incidents sorted by traffic event or by distance. The traffic list describes the exact location of incidents, provides descriptions of each occurrence and shows the distance of the events from the vehicle's current location. Traffic flow is displayed on the navigation screen with different colors -- green, yellow and red. Green indicates traffic moving 40 mph or faster; yellow from 20 to 40 mph; and red at less than 20 mph. Additional icons represent scheduled incidents such as road construction and road closures.
    XM NavTraffic, a subscription service of XM Satellite Radio powered by NAVTEQ Traffic, provides the Pioneer AVIC-D1 system with in-depth traffic data for 20 major metropolitan cities across the nation, covering cumulatively 50 percent of the population in the U.S.
    The optional traffic tuner, GEX-P10XMT data and audio receiver, offers both the XM NavTraffic service and XM Satellite Radio's more than 130 digital radio channels of commercial-free music and premier sports, news, talk and entertainment programming. The subscription price will be $13.99 a month for a bundled offering of XM NavTraffic and XM Radio.

    The Navigation System

    The AVIC-D1 provides accurate detailed mapping for the entire United States and Canada including Alaska and Hawaii. Within seconds, the system's extremely fast processor calculates multiple routes and provides directions to any destination via electronic map and voice prompts.
    Powered by TeleAtlas mapping, the system uses a database with nearly 11 million points of interest in more than 248 different categories so consumers can search for the nearest gas station, ATM or restaurant. As users are guided along their route, points of interest are overlaid onto the map, which is particularly helpful when driving in unfamiliar areas. Easy-to-recognize brand icons are used to identify hotels, restaurants, banks, gas stations and even specific chain store locations such as Chili's(R), Olive Garden(R), 76(R) and Albertsons(R).

    Audio Entertainment System

    The AVIC-D1 uses a DVD-ROM drive to provide navigation information. A separate CD drive in the unit provides playback of most compact discs, .mp3 and WMA CDs, all with maximum power and sound performance. The audio system is compatible with Pioneer's iPod(R) adapter for consumers who want to listen to music stored on their iPod while in the car. When utilized in conjunction with XM Satellite radio, the 6.5-inch monitor displays key information including channel logos and category icons on colorful easy-to-read menus. Music lovers also can mark their favorite songs using the memory-tagging feature, which automatically alerts the user that their favorite song is playing on another station so they can tune in to that song.

    Emergency Information Feature

    For additional convenience, the AVIC-D1 features an emergency information feature with one button access to information including current location with street name, longitude and latitude coordinates. It also provides personal information such as vehicle I.D. number, insurance number and insurance phone number that could be useful in the event of an accident or vehicle breakdown. The unit will display the phone number for emergency tow truck service in the area. AVIC-D1 owners also are eligible for one year of free emergency roadside assistance services provided by Signature's Nationwide Auto Club, Inc.

    Vehicle Dynamics Monitor

    Among its many other features, the AVIC-D1 displays vehicle dynamics gauges, enabling consumers to measure features such as acceleration, lateral G-force, angular velocity and more. These colorful gauges offer an easy, fun and accurate method to assess the performance of any vehicle.

    The AVIC-D1 will be available in spring 2005.

    XM Satellite Radio

    XM is America's number one satellite radio service with more than 2.5 million subscribers. XM recently launched XM NavTraffic, which provides current traffic information for vehicle navigation systems. For more information about XM, visit http://www.xmradio.com.

    Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

    Pioneer's Mobile Entertainment Division is the leading manufacturer of audio, video and information products for in-car use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies, including audio video, navigation and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and competitors. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Premier brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years for Premier products.
    Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video, computer and cable equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation (NYSE:PIO) employs more than 36,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

--30--EH/la*

CONTACT: Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. Jaed Arzadon, 310-952-2451 jaed.arzadon@pioneer-usa.com or Steve Bonsignore, 212-537-8094 sbonsignore@gcigroup.com

KEYWORD: NEVADA CALIFORNIA JAPAN INTERNATIONAL ASIA PACIFIC TRACK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS TELEVISION/RADIO CABLE AUTOMOTIVE TELECOMMUNICATIONS TRADESHOW PRODUCT SOURCE: Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

Copyright Business Wire 2005