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Visteon Supplies Aftermarket USB Audio Interface Solution for Renault Vehicles Review

September 2006
Filed under: RENAULT Car News | RENAULT Headlines
FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 12, 2006 – Visteon Corporation (NYSE: VC), a leading supplier of automotive audio and infotainment technologies, is launching its innovative USB audio interface solution as an optional accessory for a wide range of Renault vehicles. The interface allows consumers to enjoy portable electronic devices, such as iPod®, through their vehicle’s audio system.

Visteon supplies a USB Audio Interface solution to Renault.

The USB audio interface links portable music players with the car’s audio system through the CD-changer interface. It is compatible with a wide range of portable electronic devices (including iPod®) through its USB, iPod® and Aux-In connectors, transferring control to the in-car audio system via radio or steering wheel controls. Playback is controlled by the car radio using the existing CD changer commands. There is no need to reprogram or access the current radio software.

Available since early September in the Renault Espace, Vel Satis, Laguna, Scenic, Megane, Modus, Clio, Twingo and various commercial vehicles, the USB audio interface is distributed via Renault’s accessories subsidiary and installed by Renault dealerships into the vehicle’s glove box.

Visteon’s USB audio interface solution has been tailored to meet the specific requirements of Renault, said Hans Eric Destrée, Visteon’s commercial director for aftermarket mobile electronics in Europe. The flexibility of this new product makes it very appealing to the end-consumer, who is looking for easy-to-use consumer electronics connectivity and digital audio formats. The compatibility of this product with the majority of Renault radios makes it accessible to a wide range of customers.

The USB audio interface supports a wide range of audio file formats and contains a connector for two additional inputs for further flexibility. A 9-pin circular DIN connector is used to attach an external audio unit such as an iPod® to the player. The USB audio interface takes the audio output from the external device and passes it through a 3.5mm jack socket for other remote devices to the radio head unit (e.g. Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) radio).

Features of Visteon’s USB audio interface:

* Offers easy plug-and-play solution
o Controlled via audio system's CD-changer interface - no need to replace the existing vehicle audio system (compatible with all current Renault OEM radio - except Carminat navigation systems - and with most radios installed on Renault vehicles already in service)
o Easily installed and fully integrated in the glove box

* Delivers high quality media and device flexibility
o Offers portable device connectivity: USB, iPod, Aux-In
o Supports MP3, WMA, WAV and Ogg Vorbis audio formats

* Enables connectivity of many consumer electronics and digital audio devices

* Future-ready through software updates

Visteon Corporation is a leading global automotive supplier that designs, engineers and manufactures innovative climate, interior, electronic and lighting products for vehicle manufacturers, and also provides a range of products and services to aftermarket customers. With corporate offices in Van Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Kerpen, Germany; the company has more than 170 facilities in 24 countries and employs approximately 47,000 people.

Source: Visteon Corporation

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