Motorola, Inc. and BMW have 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 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, aftersales merchandising manager for BMW of North America, LLC. "Motorola has a rich heritage of serving the automotive industry with integrated technology that began with our invention of the first practical car radio in 1929," said Tim McCarthy, director of marketing for Motorola's Telematics Communications Group. "In the 1960s, some thought portable transistor radios fully satisfied the automotive consumer's needs. Today, nearly every new car has an integrated audio entertainment system due to its ease of use and enhanced performance. Likewise, the integrated telematics communications technology that Motorola and BMW are showcasing today will one day be standard equipment on all cars." Toward this end, Motorola and BMW say they are committed to meeting customer demand for cutting edge telematics technology in their vehicles. Company officials say the BMW digital CPT 8000 phone system typifies this commitment by delivering the quality and performance BMW drivers expect. It features the Motorola Timeport(TM) digital telematics phone which operates on most digital cellular networks nationwide, and can be used both in and out of the car. The portable phone snaps into a custom-built console cradle in the armrest. Specially designed software in the phone interfaces with in-vehicle electronics to provide communications from dial-up to hang-up. For example, drivers can begin and end calls with a touch of the call control button on the multi-function steering wheel without taking their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel, according to company officials. Voice activation is also available as an accessory. In addition, digital signal processors detect and eliminate background noise and echo for enhanced call clarity. The system even provides caller ID information on a display in the instrument panel. All BMW vehicles, except the Z3 model, are factory pre-wired for the integrated telematics communications system. As of January 15th, 2001, the integrated telematics communications systems are a standard feature on BMW's 7 Series vehicles, and available as a dealer installed accessory on all other model-year 2001 vehicles. Motorola has shipped 1.5 million telematics systems since January 1999. About BMW Group in America BMW of North America, LLC was established in 1975. Since then, the company has grown to include marketing, sales and financial service organizations in the United States for the BMW and MINI brands; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; DESIGNWORKS/USA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. The BMW Group is represented in the U.S. through a network of more than 340 car, 315 sports activity vehicle and 160 motorcycle retailers. BMW US Holding Corp., the Group's headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, N.J. Information about BMW Group products is available at www.bmwusa.com and www.miniusa.com. About Motorola Motorola Telematics Communications Group (TCG) is a business unit of the Motorola Integrated Electronic Systems Sector (IESS). TCG was formed in 1998 and focuses on emerging automotive communications markets for advanced wireless applications. IESS is a provider of advanced electronic products and systems for customers integrating electronics into their products. Motorola IESS solutions provide the brains -- the DigitalDNA(TM) -- designed to make electronic systems simpler, safer, smarter and more synchronized. Motorola, Inc., is a provider of wireless communications, networking infrastructure, and embedded electronic solutions and services. Motorola had sales of $37.6 billion in 2000. More information about Motorola and its products, solutions and services can be found at www.motorola.com.