What Will the Car of the Future Look Like? Delphi Highlights Technologies That Are Enhancing Vehicle Connectivity

Leading automotive supplier shares vision on connectivity technology that is shaping the future

Paris, France — In advance of the 2009 IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt (Germany), Delphi Corporation (PINKSHEETS: DPHIQ) is highlighting the company’s ’connected’ technologies that will equip the car of the future.

Fulfilling consumers’ insatiable demand for an ever-increasing array of entertainment and communication options, vehicles of today and tomorrow not only transport their passengers, but also entertain, inform, protect and connect them. As a leading global automotive supplier, Delphi is offering numerous real-world innovations that help keep users connected. For further information on any of the technologies mentioned below, interviews with Delphi subject matter experts can be scheduled upon request.

* Enhanced data connectivity systems
Consumers are demanding more options and greater variety to remain connected while in their vehicles. With Delphi data connectivity systems, the alternatives are virtually unlimited and offer consumers many choices. Delphi’s data connectivity systems, which include consumer ports, cable assemblies, connection systems, and hubs, allow passengers to access consumer devices such as iPods and flash drives, and to stream and download music files so that they can be enjoyed through the vehicle’s audio system. These ports also allow consumers to view images stored on photo cards, play video games, charge devices such as cell phones, and more. Interfaces between the vehicle’s data systems and consumer devices can be conveniently located for easy access. These consumer ports include standard USB ports, RCA jacks for video games, analog ports for headphones, SD slots for photo cards, data, and music — whatever will best meet consumers’ needs and desires. Delphi’s automotive USB hub allows multiple ports to be placed in a vehicle and the recently introduced Combo Ports can be configured in any combination of the single ports offered.

Expected on the roads: A major North American automaker designated Delphi as its sole data connectivity supplier for models with production start dates beginning in 2010.

* High-Speed Digital Data (HSDD) connectivity system
Delphi’s HSDD cable assemblies and connectors, are engineered to link the various vehicle data systems to the consumer. This technology removes a significant barrier to the implementation of wide-ranging, in-vehicle connectivity by providing a single, cost-effective system that communicates over a broad range of high-speed protocols including USB, 1394, LVDS, FlexRay, eMOST and Ethernet.

Expected on the roads: Beginning with model year 2009, Delphi’s HSDD has been included on new GM vehicles in Europe.

* Dual-View Display
The vehicle’s central information display has typically been used by drivers for navigation information, entertainment and to adjust vehicle systems, but consumer research shows that passengers would like to use the display to view TV or films and even surf the internet or reply to email. All of these functions are likely to be possible as technology progresses. Delphi’s dual-view display already addresses the desire of front-seat passengers to view different content than drivers, using an innovative electronic shutter system that allows the driver and passenger to see different images on the same screen. The unique technology recognizes whether the passenger or driver is using the system controls and enables or disables content appropriately.

Expected on the roads: Dual-view technology was recently launched in Japan and Europe.

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Bluetooth™ Connectivity
By 2010, analysts predict that 70% of cell phone users in Europe and 65% of users in the United States will have Bluetooth capability. Delphi’s Bluetooth interface already makes hands-free phone operation possible in the vehicle. In the near future, new features such as Message Access Profile (MAP) and Personal Navigation Profile (PNP) will be integrated into the receiver and allow e-mail and text messages to be handled via the vehicle’s infotainment system. Further into the future, high-speed Bluetooth (Bluetooth 3.0) will enable implementation of additional applications including high-quality video streaming to display units located in the backs of seats, wirelessly. Leveraging the expertise of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Mecel, Delphi is defining its product technology using a complete automotive Bluetooth platform that includes a global interoperability program designed to simplify implementation of Bluetooth connectivity in vehicles. This program helps ensure global compatibility of mobile phones and reduces development costs to enhance customer value.

Expected on the roads: Bluetooth connectivity is expected to become standard in next-generation infotainment systems.

* Next-Generation Antenna Reception Systems
Next-generation reception systems will include Delphi’s Multiple Input Multiple Output Antenna (MIMO), a new technology that is expected to be available as early as 2011. MIMO multi-antenna capabilities improve signal reception in addition to providing excellent network scalability and link adaptation for next-generation advanced wireless access. Scalability and link adaptation are expected to be key enablers for future applications that have high spectral efficiency requirements such as mobile internet connectivity, real-time multimedia products and streaming video. Characterized as highly reliable, MIMO antenna technology will help to pave the way for the demanding core applications of Vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication and mobile device integration.

Expected on the roads:: Delphi’s MIMO technology is expected to be ready for serial production as early as 2011.

* Digital Entertainment
The introduction of new digital technology is significantly changing audio and video options for consumers, globally. Delphi has already taken radio and video technology into the digital realm, enabling high-quality reception, superior sound quality and innovative data services. Specialized audio, video and tuner technologies are being used to provide distinctive entertainment systems compatible with multiple regional and worldwide reception standards, including HD radio, DRM/DRM+, DAB/DAB+, DMB or SDARS.

A big success in the North America, satellite radio is expected to be available in Europe within the next few years. Delphi is helping vehicle manufacturers deliver hundreds of sport, comedy and current affairs channels to vehicles across the continent. Satellite broadcasts are received in digital quality, and with the help of terrestrial repeaters, users can maintain uninterrupted reception wherever they may drive. Delphi’s proprietary receiver technology has resulted in more data capacity within the frequency allocation previously used only for satellite radio broadcasts. This technology enables satellite TV reception in vehicles while preserving the existing satellite radio infrastructure.

Expected on the roads: European satellite service providers envision introduction of satellite entertainment within the next few years.

* World TV Reception System
Delphi’s Fuba™ World Reception System uses multiple antennas, integrated amplifiers and ScanDiv™ technology to provide high-performance TV reception in vehicles. Patented ScanDiv technology automatically selects the best audio and video signal from the system’s four antennas to provide passengers with high-quality audio and TV. The multi-standard receiver is compatible with analog NTSC, PAL and SECAM signals as well as ATSC-MH, DVB-T and ISDB-T digital signals.

Expected on the roads: The system is currently available on select BMW, Daimler, GM, SGM and Porsche vehicles.

* Integrated Driver Interface
One of Delphi’s latest in-vehicle solutions, the integrated driver interface is helping drivers remain focused within a 20-degree field of view while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Demonstrated in Delphi’s ICP (Information, Convenience, and Protection) vehicle, the integrated driver interface helps drivers to better manage the high content, complex environment of vehicles with consistent, easy-to-access information.

Expected on the roads: These technologies may be available as early as 2012.

* Reconfigurable Clusters
Delphi offers a full-range of electronic instrumentation from hybrid clusters targeted for high-value vehicles to fully reconfigurable clusters. Delphi’s reconfigurable display architecture allows vehicle manufacturers to commonize displays across platforms while maintaining brand and platform differentiation through software programming. Reconfigurable displays also permit drivers to tailor displays based on personal preferences. Future vehicles may even use face recognition techniques to personalize content and enable vehicle access based upon the presence of a specific driver.

Expected on the roads: Reconfigurable displays are beginning to appear in the market. Larger and more compelling display information will appear as the technology matures and should be on the road in 2011.

* Reconfigurable Head-up Display
Delphi’s latest generation head-up display enhances safety by projecting a defined set of critical vehicle information directly in front of the driver. The display can be reconfigurable and connect the driver to additional data pertaining to the entertainment and navigation systems. In Delphi’s ICP concept vehicle, the system provides a simplified infotainment menu and turn-by-turn directions. In addition, it can overlay graphics to map road features and warnings. To enhance convenience, the display is mapped to multifunction controls, simplifying the user interface.

Expected on the roads: Delphi fixed-segment head-up displays have been on the road since 1988. Reconfigurable technology has been introduced in select vehicles. As it matures, multi-color displays and enhanced reconfigurability is expected to offer more information to drivers. These enhanced displays are expected to be available as early as 2013.

* Bluetooth Gateway Key Fob
Delphi’s ICP vehicle also features a key fob that enables two-way communication between the user and vehicle via a Bluetooth gateway in the fob. Using a portable device such as a cell phone, the driver can check the status of various vehicle functions, including fuel level and temperature remotely, open the windows, adjust interior temperature and program a destination in the navigation system. Confirmation of operations is received on a user-friendly display.

Expected on the roads:Delphi’s Bluetooth Gateway Fob may be on the road as early as 2011.

* Multimedia Radio
Delphi has a broad base of global entertainment, communication, reception and safety systems expertise that enables us to provide customers with high-value, integrated information and entertainment systems. Delphi provides a solid hardware and software base for multimedia head units and is developing multi-functional units with an entertainment, navigation and connectivity feature set, cost-effectively. Its scalable feature set will allow manufacturers to provide multimedia radios designed for a specific vehicle segment — from entry-level to premium. Initiatives like the Linux-based Genivi consortium will help to make these systems more cost-effective as well as to become recognized as a standard feature of the vehicle.

Expected on the roads: Delphi’s first multimedia head unit will soon be launched in China and appear in Europe in 2010.

* Car-to-Car and Car-to-Infrastructure Communication
Thousands of fatalities occur each year resulting from vehicles leaving the road or traveling unsafely through intersections. Interest in Car-to-Car (C2C) and Car-to-Infrastructure (C2X) communication is growing globally because of its potential to increase traffic safety and help mitigate crashes, injuries and fatalities. It also has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by improving traffic efficiency. Vehicles of the future will include on-board communication units that collect data transmitted from the roadside and other vehicles to help warn drivers of up-coming traffic and road conditions. Leveraging expertise in systems integration, software architecture and data flow, Delphi is prepared to support the development C2C and C2X communication using a highly customizable software architecture, rapid implementation and prototyping of applications that are effective in even the harshest environmental conditions will be possible.

Expected on the roads: C2C and C2X Communication is expected to be introduced as early as 2015 and, one day, may be required by law to protect drivers.

* Advanced Multifunction Controls
Connecting the head-up display and advanced multifunction controls, the Delphi ICP vehicle demonstrates a reconfigurable steering wheel control system that provides drivers easy access to information content while they keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Expected on the roads:Multi-function controls are currently available on vehicles. This advanced integrated HMI (Human Machine Interface) technology is expected to be on the road as early as 2012.

* LED Interior Lighting
Delphi offers new LED lighting technologies that provide vehicle manufacturers the ability to create a unique and inviting vehicle interior and the potential for brand differentiation. A multitude of colors —fixed and reconfigurable — combined with lightpiping presents endless interior design possibilities. This technology is just beginning to be available in vehicles, and offers endless brand and personalization possibilities for the future.

Expected on the roads: LED lighting technology is currently on the road in select vehicles, and the technology is expected to gain popularity over the next few years.

* Reconfigurable Displays with Touch Screen and Haptic Technology
Reconfigurable displays with a touch screen and haptic technology allow multiple functions to be controlled by a single device, eliminating buttons while providing more features and functions. Sensors will anticipate the user’s intentions and automatically provide the proper menu. For example, a different menu could be provided if an action was sensed from the passenger side of the vehicle versus the driver side.

Expected on the roads: This technology set may be available as early as 2010.


Delphi brings the power of innovation to a wide range of products and services that add value for car makers and car drivers alike. From vehicle components and systems to medical devices and beyond, Delphi delivers real-world innovations that help make products smarter, safer, more powerful, and much more valuable.

For more information about Delphi Corp. (PINKSHEETS: DPHIQ), visit www.delphi.com.