Visteon launched an integrated navigation system designed at the Visteon China Technical Center and tailored for Chinese consumers. Debuting on the Chang'An Ford Mazda Automobile (CFMA) Mondeo - Zhi Sheng Ghia Hi and Mondeo - Zhi Sheng Ghia D (www.globalchana.com), the navigation solution features an integrated digital radio, DVD, and climate controls. It uses a Secure Digital memory card for map upgrades.
Visteon said product development time from award to launch was 11 months, faster than the industry's traditional 18 to 24 months development cycle.
"Visteon's China Technical Center team ensured that our first navigation system for China had high feature content compared with the market's current offering. We were also impressed by the speed at which they were able to develop this unique solution tailored for Chinese consumers," said Roger Liu, deputy program director, Chang'An Ford Mazda Automobile.
Product features include:
· Data entry using Pinyin capability;
· Chinese language for voice guidance and choice of male/female voice;
· Use of points of interest as well as street names as navigators;
· Split screen routing;
· Network communication enabling dialog between system and instrument cluster;
· Remote audio feature controls, with steering wheel support;
· Incorporates a gyrocompass, offering accurate mapping when GPS is not available;
· Routing options enable drivers to input multiple destinations and routes, including blocking certain areas in the city, and
· Digital audio, including vehicle specific equalization (EQ), tuned to the sound characteristics of the vehicle.
"We are committed to continue building our local product development capability in China to support automakers' strategies in this market and meet the specific requirements of Chinese consumers," said Steve Meszaros, Visteon vice president and president, electronics product group.