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Continental and Microsoft Enter Into Strategic Alliance to Develop Mobile Device Platform

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. and FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Continental Automotive Systems announced today that it has entered into a global strategic alliance with Microsoft to integrate the Microsoft Auto software into its next generation Telematics gateway. The companies also have been awarded their first contract by Ford Motor Company. The Continental Telematics gateway will be introduced on Ford Motor Company products later this year in an in-car communications system called Ford Sync(TM).

Continental's next generation Telematics gateway will wirelessly connect certain consumer electronic devices, like mobile phones or digital music players, to a vehicle audio system. The system also includes a USB port so a driver will have multiple options and can choose how they prefer to easily carry, play and listen to their personal music collection from inside the car. The product, which also will be voice-operated, will provide consumers with a more convenient way to "control" and use their portable devices while inside the car.

"Continental is at the forefront of the Telematics industry and is changing the way drivers access content inside their car," said Kieran O'Sullivan, senior vice president of the Telematics Business Unit and member of the Continental Automotive Systems Management Board. "Our telematics products connect cars and the people who drive them so that together, with our customers, we can enhance vehicle convenience, mobility and safety."

"Microsoft is applying its software engineering expertise toward providing the auto industry with a reliable and flexible platform," said Martin Thall, general manager of the Automotive Business Unit at Microsoft. "Together, Continental and Microsoft are creating innovative solutions for drivers and passengers for today and tomorrow. With this new generation of in-car systems based on the Microsoft Auto platform, motorists have a simple, integrated and updateable solution for using their portable devices in the car."

By working together, Continental and Microsoft are developing products that will help their automotive customers speed their time-to-market when introducing innovative, consumer electronic technologies in future vehicle platforms.

As part of its four pillar Telematics strategy that was announced last year, Continental Automotive Systems is making individual mobility more convenient and fun by uniting the trends appearing in consumer culture and applying them to the car.

About Continental

The Continental Corporation is a leading automotive supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers. In 2005 the corporation realized sales of 13.8 billion euros. At present it has a worldwide workforce of around 85,000.

As a leading global technology and systems engineering partner to the automotive industry, the Automotive Systems Division of Continental AG combines comprehensive know-how and uncompromising quality in the areas of active and passive driving safety, telematics, hands-free communication systems, drive systems and comfort. In 2005, this Division generated sales of roughly 5.2 billion euros with a workforce of more than 24,000. Continental Automotive Systems develops and produces electronic and hydraulic brake, stability and suspension control systems, electronic pneumatic suspension systems, sensors, engine management and transmission control systems, hybrid drives, radiator fan modules and electronic devices for comfort and safety applications and is a leading global producer of telematics and communications solutions for the automotive sector.

Web site: http://www.conti-online.com/
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