NISSAN CONNECT

2008/10/01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2 October 2008

NISSAN CONNECT

The changes to Note also herald the introduction of Nissan’s all-new integrated audio, navigation and communication system called Nissan Connect.

“Our customer research showed that buyers of smaller, more accessible cars were frustrated by the expense or the non-availability of integrated navigation and state-of-the-art audio systems. We believe that Nissan customers will be pleased to be offered the opportunity to buy an advanced navigation, audio and communication package at an affordable price,” said Pierre Loing, Nissan’s European Vice President of Product Planning.

At a glance

• Navigation guidance in nine languages
• Eco-mode for most fuel efficient navigation routes
• Touch-screen interface
• Choice of audio inputs
• Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity
• Premium specification with accessible pricing

Nissan Connect provides a series of features and connectivity solutions normally found on upper segment cars, but for the first time this type of innovation is being offered on a compact family car – typical of Nissan’s philosophy of offering segment-busting technology.

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Developed in partnership with the car multimedia division of the Bosch Group, Nissan Connect was conceived to offer the level of convenience and user-friendliness normally found on portable navigation devices. Furthermore, Nissan Connect has the added convenience of full integration into the centre console.

Touch Screen

Nissan Connect features a large 5” touch screen at the top of the centre console, just below the large central storage on top of the dashboard.

The unit is well integrated into the dashboard offering easy to use and intuitive control switches.  It optimises the use of switches for the most commonly used functions and touch screen allowing tasks to be completed quickly and easily.

A single CD slot is located above the display and as well as playing conventional CDs, Nissan Connect can also play CDs with MP3 and WMA sound files.

USB or Aux Audio Input Alternative audio inputs are possible via a USB connector or 3.5mm jack plug connections mounted in the storage area on top of the dashboard in the Note.

These connections allow audio files to be played through Nissan Connect from iPods and other MP3 players, USB storage devices and a USB external hard drive.

Mobile phones and other devices supporting Bluetooth audio-streaming can also be played wirelessly by Nissan Connect, allowing operation of the previous or next track, while also displaying information about the current track.

By placing the connectors in the large storage area on the dashboard, drivers and passengers can leave their music players connected but out of sight when they leave the car.

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Once an iPod is connected through a USB cable, tracks stored on the player can be browsed through using the touch screen to search for and select tracks.  While the audio tracks are playing, the screen displays the song title, artist and directory folder. Steering wheel mounted controls offer adjustment of the volume and track selection without removing hands from the wheel.

The radio offers AM and FM frequencies, with a total of 12 radio presets in FM and 6 in AM.

Nine Languages

The navigation system offers a comprehensive series of features which are intuitive and convenient to use. Through a simple interface, drivers will benefit from clear navigation directions in nine languages (including Russian) and ultra clear mapping. 

Despite its accessible price positioning, Nissan’s Connect navigation contains state-of-the-art technology. By integrating various vehicle sensors and taking speed information from the vehicle network, the system will not suffer signal ‘black-out’ when entering a tunnel, for example. This will prevent the disorientation phase that strikes portable navigation devices after they have lost the signal from the satellite.

Routes to the intended destination can be calculated as fastest, shortest and for the first time “Eco”: which optimises the route for good fuel economy.

The scale of the map is automatically changed to the appropriate zoom level dependant on road type but can also be manually adjusted according to customer preference, thanks to the turn-dial control. Nissan Connect also features TMC (Traffic Message Channel), which uses a second radio tuner to receive traffic flow information on some major roads as well as traffic incidents. If the route selected is experiencing delays, the navigation system will propose an alternative route based on real time traffic data. If the driver accepts the detour, the navigation will update the route accordingly, saving time and possibly fuel and emissions.

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In addition to the installed Points of Interest, updates to the system’s Points of Interest database can be made using the USB port. This type of information includes hotels, service stations and restaurants, among others.

Additionally, the location of safety camera locations can be uploaded via the USB port, while map updates can be purchased and easily loaded into Nissan Connect using an SD data card slot on the front of the panel.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Nissan Connect also provides a Bluetooth connection to mobile phones, allowing the driver to automatically connect their phone to the car, meaning that they can make and receive calls while their hands remain safely on the wheel.   To aid Nissan Connect’s integration of external devices the phone’s phonebook and call register is automatically downloaded to Connect’s memory when the phone is paired with the system for the first time, if the phone supports phonebook synchronisation.

Research shows that integrated navigation systems can contribute to lower costs in day-to-day operation. For example, by being integrated into the car’s dashboard and incorporating antitheft technology, Nissan Connect will not attract opportunist thieves – a persistent problem for motorists who use portable navigation devices – reducing the need for insurance claims. Additionally, the research shows that an intuitive navigation interface gives a driver more confidence in the system, meaning they relax more when they are following directions. This in turn means their driving style is less aggressive and fuel economy is improved, and the risk of an accident is reduced as the driver is paying more attention on driving than checking the navigation system.

Nissan Connect was conceived to be a state-of-the-art integrated audio and navigation system which offers user-friendly features in an area of the market where advanced navigation systems are not normally offered as their option price represents a significant proportion of the cost of the car. In those circumstances, drivers traditionally choose personal navigation devices, which are not designed specifically for that car. They

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present an additional injury risk in the case of an accident as they normally are only attached with a sucker or clamp. Furthermore, the attachment device is often left in the car when it is parked, inviting a speculative break-in from a passing thief who expects to find it hidden in the glovebox, for example.

 “Nissan Connect has been designed to be as user-friendly as possible, with the added bonus that it's fully integrated into the car, removing the risk of having the car broken into speculatively by criminals looking for portable navigation devices,” said Pierre Loing.

“Thanks to the availability of Nissan Connect, in future our customers won’t need to buy a portable navigation system, which does not offer the safety and convenience of a fully integrated system.”

Nissan Connect will be available on Note from January 2009. Its introduction underlines Nissan’s commitment to introducing accessible, friendly technology and innovation on its products. The introduction of Nissan Connect on other Nissan models will follow later in 2009.

ends…

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

All news releases and pictures can be downloaded from www.nissanpress.co.uk

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