February 05, 2002

NISSAN INTRODUCES CARWINGS, JAPAN'S FIRST TOTAL TELEMATICS SERVICE
To Be Incorporated in New Models Starting with the New Compact Car March

Introducing the  "networked car"  that functions as a part of information network

Tokyo, February 5 --  Nissan has announced the release of CARWINGS, the advanced total telematics service integrating people assisted- and/or automatic services, car, or cell phones, and personal computers (PC). The technology is an adaptation of the New-Generation Information and Communications Concept 2003i that was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in October last year. CARWINGS will be offered as an option on the new compact car March which will be launched later this month.  It will be introduced throughout the range of Nissan's new models for introduction thereafter. 

CARWINGS is Japan's first comprehensive telematics system that enables drivers to use a LCD (liquid crystal display) screen assisted by verbal interface to access the latest updated information and maps, receive e-mail messages, make hands-free phone calls, and obtain road-side assistance, plus more. These functions are available by connecting one's cell phone to the connector on board the vehicle. CARWINGS also supports comfortable and convenient driving through its simple navigation functions, emergency operator support, and other features.

Some of the services offered for the new March are:

•  Information:  Access to the real-time driving information such as traffic and weather 24 hours a day.
• Communication: Offers information on vehicle's location to friends and family members over a PC or cell phone.
• Hands-free calls: Enables drivers to communicate with cell phones connected to the on-board unit. 
• Road Guide:  Display of present location on map with GPS.
• Help Function:  Emergency support from operator, on call 24 hours a day.   "Compass Link Light"  also gives access to an operator-assisted information service.
• Vehicle Information: An on-board monitor that displays information on fuel consumption, etc.

This technology will be offered at less than 50,000 yen as an optional function on the new Nissan March.  Plans are in place to introduce CARWINGS with additional services as well as those that are integrated with conventional navigations systems on Nissan's new models after March. 

Nissan is committed to introducing innovative and progressive telematics services in the cars it produces to enrich people's lives by closely connecting drivers with the communities surrounding them. 

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Functions

The system consists of five major components aside from the unit itself:

• Steering switch for easy operation
• Microphone for hands-free call and voice activated operation
• Audio output speaker for  "text-to-voice" , etc.
• GPS antenna for receiving position signals from satellites
• Cell phone pocket with connection cable
• Voice-activated operation and  "text-to-voice"  feature allows the drivers to instantly access the information without taking his/her eyes off the road.

Key Features

Information-Gathering Auto DJ

• Offering access to the latest driving information 24 hours a day, Auto DJ will give drivers over 40 channels offering traffic, weather, sports and the latest news and leisure information. Channels for local information will be added.

Communication Function

• Displays the location of your car to friends or family via cell phone, PC or other cars with CARWINGS. It will help you to keep in touch when meeting outside, etc.

Hands-Free Phone Function

• Enables hands-free phoning using numbers from your cell phone memory.

Road Guide Function

• Displays local maps and identify your location using GPS. Drive Route Assist will assist your drive by displaying routes to the destination.

Operator Assisted Function

• An operator will help the driver when in an emergency. It will have the function to call local dealers, road services, etc.  With an optional service--Compass Link Light--the operator will act on your behalf and obtain information and destination search through CARWINGS Information Center.

Vehicle Information Display Function

• Providing you with fuel efficiency information such as instant and average fuel efficiency, potential range, and information on driving time, distance, and average speed.