Alpine Showcases IPod-Like Multimedia Systems For GM, BMW, Mercedes

The 2009 Detroit Auto Show provided a stage for Alpine Electronics to proudly announce they've released a few new mobile media solutions for GM, BMW and Mercedes featuring iPod-like graphical design.

Alpine Electronics revealed that they will be providing the newly released 2010 Buick LaCrosse, 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2010 Cadillac SRX with a 2-GB flash memory infotainment unit allowing drivers to store music directly on the head unit. They will also provide the new 2010 BMW Z4 with a 1280x480 resolution 8.8-inch double VGA display that is capable of delivering HD-level graphics for the navigation maps and the back-up camera. Mercedes was the most impressive of the trio, receiving a high resolution 6.5 WVGA TFT display with a 40GB on-board hard drive capable of storing thousands of MP3s from an SD card. It also receives an upgraded voice recognition control system, Bluetooth, text-to-speech (unfortunately not available in the U.S.), real time traffic update via Sirius Satellite Radio, Gracenote music tagging and a six-disc DVD Audio/Video changer.

Also of note, is the claim that Alpine will provide a portfolio of environmentally-friendly products to support automakers as they focus their resources on creating energy efficient vehicles. We're waiting to see a head unit constructed entirely out of hemp so we can roll it up and smoke it.

Alpine GM Press Release
Alpine Electronics Supplies 2-GB Flash Memory
Infotainment Unit for 2010 GM Vehicles
DETROIT, (Jan. 9, 2009) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry leading provider of mobile media solutions, today announced it will supply a premium infotainment unit on the all-new 2010 Buick LaCrosse, 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and 2010 Cadillac SRX. The redesigned vehicles will be unveiled next week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new infotainment system will be on display in Alpine's booth (Room 02-44; Cobo Center) during press and industry preview days.
Alpine's infotainment package is available on the CXL and CXS LaCrosse models; the LT and LTZ Equinox models; and the Cadillac SRX.
Features include a single DVD/CD player for both movies and audio and AM/FM
radio with an integrated XM® Satellite Radio tuner. Other key features include:
• One of the industry's first on-board 2-GB flash-based head unit for music storage
• Time-shift audio feature allows listeners to pause, rewind and replay up to one hour of XM Radio or AM/FM programming
• USB 2.0 for iPod® and flash memory connectivity
• Simultaneously plays two digital media audio files so driver and back seat passengers can listen to different songs at the same time
• Rear-seat entertainment support including DVD movie and audio output
• OnStar turn-by-turn voice-guided navigation support
"Our premium infotainment system on these highly anticipated GM vehicles ensures drivers and their passengers never miss a beat," said Todd Kovach, vice president and general manager, Alpine Electronics. "Today, music is not only on a disc or AM/FM radio – it's on USB drives, satellite radio and iPods. Our infotainment system allows users to store thousands of songs and even keeps back seat passengers busy with DVD and audio controls. The system also makes it possible to play two different digital media audio tracks simultaneously – so back seat passengers are never limited to listening to what the driver is playing."

Alpine BMW Press Release
Alpine Electronics to Supply High-Res Display to
All-New 2009 BMW Z4 Roadster
8.8" display is one of the largest center stack displays on market
DETROIT, (Jan. 11, 2009) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industryleading
provider of mobile media solutions, today announced it will supply the 8.8"
center information display on the all-new 2009 BMW Z4 Roadster. The all-new
Roadster was unveiled today at the 2009 North American International Auto Show.
The new product will be showcased at Alpine's booth (Room 02-44; Cobo Center)
during press and industry days.
Alpine's motorized clamshell-style display opens effortlessly from the center stack
with a simple touch of a button, and seamlessly closes for a sleek look when not in
use. The 1280x480 resolution 8.8" Double VGA (video graphics array) display is one
of the largest center stack displays on the market, delivering high definition visuals
for the Z4's navigation maps and back-up camera. This display helps improve at-aglance
recognition and reduces eye strain.
"Alpine is proud to be a part of the BMW Z4 Roadster program," said Todd Kovach,
vice president and general manager of Alpine Electronics. "This center information
display is an example of Alpine's technology innovation and quality precision at
work. Not only are we leaders in the sound and navigation arenas, Alpine delivers
sleek interior styling solutions that enhance a vehicle's personality, functionality
and human machine interface (HMI)."

Alpine Mercedes Press Release
Alpine Electronics Supplies Integrated Media Infotainment Systems
to Global Mercedes-Benz Platforms
DETROIT, (Jan. 11, 2009) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industryleading
provider of mobile media solutions, today announced it is supplying head
units to a global Mercedes-Benz program. Alpine made the announcement during
the 2009 North American International Auto Show, where part of the company's
exhibit (Room 02-44; Cobo Center) includes a Mercedes-Benz SLK350 with a
premium infotainment system.
Alpine head units are available as standard, mid-level and premium equipment on
the Mercedes-Benz SLK, SL, E-Class, CLS, A-Class, B-Class, M-Class, R-Class, GL,
and G-Class vehicles in North America, Europe, Japan, China, Russia, Southeast
Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
"This multi-part, global program is a testament to the quality of Alpine products and
the flexibility of our engineers to meet customer specifications across many vehicle
platforms," said Todd Kovach, vice president and general manager, Alpine
Electronics. "Alpine has evolved from a sound system icon serving aftermarket
enthusiasts to a Tier One original-equipment supplier supporting multiple platform
requirements to customers around the world. From entry-level head units to
premium navigation systems, we are taking in-vehicle entertainment to the next
level."
Featuring a hi-resolution 6.5-inch WVGA TFT display, the premium-level
head unit includes a hard-disk drive (HDD) navigation system that uses
advanced technology for faster route calculation, richer map views and user-friendly
human-machine interface (HMI).
The premium system, which is on display in Alpine's room at the show (02-44),
includes a 40GB hard drive with space dedicated exclusively for music
storage. Users can download thousands of their favorite MP3 tunes from an SD
Card. Other features include:
• Voice recognition for system control
• Bluetooth™ for hands-free telephone connectivity
• Text-to-speech (not available in the U.S.)
• Real time traffic information powered by Sirius® Satellite Radio
• Gracenote® music tagging to capture artist, album and song information
• Six-disc DVD Audio and Video changer
Alpine Electronics Supplies Integrated Media Infotainment Systems to Mercedes-Benz 2
• Teleaid™ interface
• HD™ Radio capability
• Zagat restaurant guide
• Media interface including iPod® integration
• Dolby® Digital
• DTS®
• MP3, WMA, AAC format playback
The mid-level unit, available only in Europe, features a 5-inch TFT display that
controls a DVD-based infotainment system featuring Bluetooth connectivity, voice
command, text-to-speech and navigation with real-time traffic powered by TMC.
The standard head unit features has a 5-inch TFT color screen with AM/FM radio,
single or six-disc changer and Bluetooth™ connectivity.

[via Alpine]