Nokia partners with Nissan, Ford, on hands-free systems

Nokia has developed hands-free vehicle communications systems in partnerships with Nissan (for the Primera) and Ford (initially for the Focus and later for the Focus C-Max and other models).

Marcus Stahl, general manager of automotive accounts at Nokia Automotive, says Primera customers can download a phonebook from their mobile phone and view phonebook entries on the Primera’s seven-inch N-FORM color display. They can scroll alphabetically or by speed-dial number, initiate and receive calls, and place callers on hold. A baseplate accommodates various mobile holders, enabling the system to work with phones from different manufacturers.

The Ford system, also usable with phones from various manufacturers, supports speaker-dependent or speaker-independent voice activation and Bluetooth connectivity. Customers can access major functions, including reading and sending text messages, via the vehicle’s displays and control buttons. An external GSM antenna is available to improve sound quality.