Motorola, Inc. and BMW have announced at the Detroit Auto Show that they have teamed up to introduce a new digital phone marketed as the BMW CPT 8000, which is based on the Motorola Timeport(TM) a fully integrated dual-band, multi-network system. In an agreement valued at more than $11 million annually, the phone system is now standard on all 7 Series and will become available on all other model year 2001 BMW vehicles. The portable Timeport based phone is the latest in wireless in-vehicle communication technologies, keeping customers in touch on and off the road, according to Motorola. Available in both Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), the digital signal strength and flexibility of this system helps provide customers with coverage and access to many national service plans including TDMA carriers, AT&T and Cingular, and CDMA carriers, Sprint and Verizon, according to Motorola. The Timeport CDMA phone only, also comes equipped with an Internet mini-browser feature and is Motorola's first wireless phone with Tohoku Pioneer Corporation's patented Organic Electro-Luminescent technology. The green, red and blue text and icons appear on a black background, providing users with enhanced readability in most lighting conditions. "Offering the fully-integrated Timeport based CPT 8000 digital phone as standard equipment on the 7 Series demonstrates BMW's commitment to providing customers with the best technology, convenience and performance," said Hans Duenzl, vice president of engineering and aftersales for BMW of North America, LLC. "The Timeport phone was chosen as the basis for the BMW CPT 8000 because it is an innovative communication tool that is as technologically sound and sophisticated as the car itself." The system provides enhanced security features such as voice recognition technology (on certain vehicles), hands-free call sending/receiving through steering wheel controls or audio system and an audio unit control that automatically mutes the radio when sending/receiving calls. The portable Motorola Timeport phone has features that can also be used outside of the car including a cellular carrier-capable versatile messaging system, VibraCall® alert to discreetly notify users of incoming calls and the smart button feature for one-hand dialing and quick access to commonly used functions. The phone also includes a lithium ion battery and an electronic phone book holding up to 99 memory locations. Additionally, by docking the Timeport based CPT 8000 in its customized cradle in the armrest of the vehicle, the phone book and personal data stored in the handset download into the vehicle's audio system. "The standardization of the new Timeport based CPT 8000 on the 7 Series exemplifies Motorola's connected car solution," said Marios Zenios, corporate vice president and general manager, Motorola Telematics Communications Group. "Motorola and BMW are enabling a new kind of driving experience by connecting cars to the world, giving drivers enhanced personal calling from an integrated phone system." About BMW of North America BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975. Since then, the company has grown to include marketing, sales and financial service organizations in the United States; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; DESIGNWORKS/USA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Palo Alto and various other operations throughout the country. BMW 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. 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) -- that help synchronize electronic systems. Motorola, Inc. is a provides integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 1999 were $33.1 billion.
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