DVD-Based Navigation Radio Debuts on All-New 2005 Dodge Magnum

February 29, 2004 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - 

  • MP3 Player and Navigation in One System
  • Interacts with UConnect™ to Place Hands-Free Calls

Hard-to-fold paper maps may become a thing of the past with the new navigation radio option in the all-new 2005 Dodge Magnum. Designed with a large, easy-to-read screen, voice guidance and a number of unique options, the DVD-based navigation system has features that will appeal to both road travelers and music enthusiasts alike.

The navigation radio system is housed in the center of the vehicle's dashboard, which is convenient to both the driver and passenger. This system features a large 5.8-inch full-color display, MP3 player, AM/FM stereo, 6-disc CD system and navigation system in one unit. An eight-way joystick allows the user to scroll through the navigation menus and icons quickly and effortlessly.

The system guides the user through the drive route providing voice commands, mile by mile, turn-by-turn until the final destination is reached. Destinations can be entered into the system ten different ways and the screen can be viewed as a detailed map or enlarged to be viewed turn-by-turn.

"With MP3 capability and the option to add various entertainment and communication features, the navigation system is clearly in the forefront of information and entertainment technology," said Jack Withrow, Director, Vehicle Entertainment and Communications, Daimler Chrysler. "The system effectively calculates the quickest and most accurate route and immediately redirects the driver should you veer off your path - you may never have to stop and ask for directions again."

Audiophiles will enjoy the MP3 player, a navigation first, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio availability. The MP3 feature enables the user to view and play files and folders contained within MP3 discs. Coupled with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, the stream listing, stream category, song title and artist, can be viewed on the system's display screen.

When equipped with UConnect™, the REC navigation radio becomes compatible with the hands-free module within the system. This feature enables the user to place voice-activated, hands-free calls to "Points of Interests" such as restaurants, banks or other public addresses located within the navigation system's information database. Phone numbers and call times appear on the system's screen upon incoming calls.

The navigation system features a single DVD solution which contains mapping, points of interest and business phone numbers across the U.S. (where digitized mapping data and information are available). The single DVD solution eliminates the need to handle and store multiple discs required in CD-based solutions. In addition, route calculations can be made quickly with Alpine's proprietary software algorithms which provide routing information within 10 seconds. This is crucial when a driver misses a turn and needs an immediate re-route.

The navigation system receives its GPS, or global positioning system signals, from up to eight satellites to display the position and direction of the vehicle. A gyroscope and the vehicle's speed sensor enable the system to display the present vehicle position even in locations where a GPS signal may not be available. When a destination is entered, the navigation system uses data from the DVD to quickly calculate a route.

NAVIGATION SYSTEM FEATURES

  • Map Zoom: Select from nine different zoom scales to increase or decrease map magnification

  • Voice Guidance: Choose from four options: Maximum, Normal, Minimum or Off

  • Route Guidance: View the screen as a turn-by-turn map, full display map or a combination of both

  • Three Language Option: Select English, French or Spanish. Preferences are in miles or kilometers

  • Four Routing Methods: Shortest Route, Quickest Route, Minimize Toll Roads, Maximum Freeway and Minimize Freeway

  • Automatic Route Recalculation and Detour Functions: The system automatically recalculates the position and displays a new route should the user encounter a detour or stray from the directions indicated on the display monitor

  • Maneuver List: Review the trip itinerary prior to departure and make changes before heading out on the road

  • Trail Function: Obtain longitude, latitude and altitude readings

NAVIGATION SYSTEM DESTINATION FEATURES
Destinations may be selected from ten categories:

  • Point of Interest: Select a destination from a list of locations and public places which are grouped by category

  • Address: Locate address by Street Name, City Name and State

  • Personal Address Book: Stores up to 100 personal locations and phone numbers in the system's memory; recalls an address from the address book for use as a destination

  • Recent Destination: Choose a destination from your ten most recent route calculations

  • Home Designation: Recall a saved address as your destination

  • Trip Itinerary: Enter up to ten destinations to calculate the most efficient route

  • City Center: Calculate a route with the destination at the center of the city

  • Map Display: Select a destination directly from the map screen, without the need to input the city name of street

  • Phone Number: Use a business phone number to find the route to the location

  • Intersection: Input the names of two cross streets as your destination

Chrysler Group selected Alpine Electronics, a supplier of high-performance mobile electronics systems, to provide the navigation unit, GPS antenna and map database information. The map database information is housed on a single DVD-ROM based on NAVTECH data.


Contact Information

General Communications
Office: (248) 512-2894
Beth Ann Bayus
Office: (248) 512-0350
Cell: (248) 761-5588
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