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Mobile Multimedia Leader Takes Home Two Prestigious 'Innovations' Awards

``Alpine's product strategy for 2002 is designed to fully leverage the market trends and technological advancements of the past year to deliver premium performance systems that meet the personalized needs of mobile electronics enthusiasts,'' said Stephen Witt, Alpine's vice president of Brand Marketing. ``Alpine has established its global leadership position and enviable brand reputation through an unrelenting commitment to quality, reliability, performance and personalization. These four attributes are clearly showcased in our 2002 mobile multimedia product lines.''

Broad Support for XM Satellite Radio and MP3 Music

Alpine is poised to continue its early leadership in the expanding new satellite radio market, which took off with a flourish this last fall. In 2002, Alpine will offer seven XM-ready head units, an XM-ready Mobile Multimedia Station(TM) and its new CRA-1667RF FM Modulator/Ai-Net Controller, which allows consumers to add XM satellite radio or an MP3 changer to any existing OEM or aftermarket system.

With the rapid proliferation of MP3 music, Alpine also has incorporated support for this popular new compressed audio format in five of its CD and DVD receivers/tuners, as well as an all new CD changer for 2002. In fact, Alpine's DVA-7996 is the first automotive DVD head unit to include a built-in MP3 decoder and its new CHA-S634 six-disc changer also plays MP3 encoded disks, making any Alpine head unit with changer controls MP3 compatible.

Leveraging its strength and heritage in creating products that deliver premium sound reproduction, Alpine has engineered an exclusive new technology, Media Xpander(TM), which significantly improves the fidelity of compressed digital music formats, such as MP3, in the mobile environment.

Big Bass, Maximum Power and Ultimate Sonic Clarity

To meet the demand of the car audio enthusiast customer who is looking for big bass and maximum amplifier power, Alpine will introduce its new Type-R speakers and subwoofers; new V12 amps; and new advanced V12 AccuClass-D(TM) mono amp line, featuring a digital platform amp design with true built-in digital sound processing benefits. Alpine is the first to implement a complete digital architecture inside the chassis from input to power amplification stage. By being the first to incorporate this total internal digital architecture, Alpine is bringing DSP-based digital sound tuning and precision amplifier control to the market. These new, advanced V12 AccuClass- D amps all feature Alpine's Bass Engine(TM) technology. Additionally, Alpine's Remote Amplifier Control Center (RACC) allows for up to eight mono amps to be linked with synchronized set-up and sound control, giving the power-hungry user easier, more precise control over their subwoofer system.

Alpine will also launch a new 2002 line of Type-S subwoofers incorporating features and technology that deliver Alpine-caliber sound performance at a great price. Combined with Alpine's S-Series speakers, audio enthusiasts can now build a premium Alpine sound system that meets their price and performance needs.

A Revolutionary New Face Panel Concept Wins CES 2002 Innovations Award

Also for 2002, Alpine introduces a revolutionary, new face panel concept based on the FantomFace(TM) mechanism. FantomFace XL has a fully-motorized face panel that is 30 percent larger than a standard DIN face, and which retracts back into the dash when the car is turned-off. Underscoring this design achievement, the FantomFace XL CDA-7998 tuner received the 2002 CES Innovations Award for design and engineering.

Guaranteeing the best, most personalized sound tuning possible for the individual's specific vehicle, the CDA-7998 FantomFace XL features Alpine's new i-Personalize(TM) technology, which will allow owners to go to Alpine's website, plug in specifics of their car's interior, and customize the Bass Engine settings.

The new FantomFace XL head units are also MobileHUB(TM) ready, a feature that, in the future, will allow users to integrate with select Nokia cell phones to receive and display SMS messages and utilize the head unit's alphanumeric keypad for hands-free cellular phone operation.

Continuing Commitment to Building the Best Navigation and Rear Seat Entertainment Systems

Building on its industry lead in the mobile navigation market, Alpine will offer six monitor options in 2002, allowing consumers to build the industry's most accurate and easiest-to-use navigation system at prices starting around $2,400. Alpine is the world leader in mobile navigation systems, with more than eight generations and 11 years experience in the Asian, European and North American markets.

Alpine's system approach provides a flexible way for consumers to build and upgrade their in-cabin environment for accessing navigation or rear-seat entertainment options. Alpine's three in-dash Mobile Multimedia Stations give consumers control of all audio and video units from a single source and feature a 6.5-inch fully motorized monitor. Mobile multimedia enthusiasts can opt for a Mobile Multimedia Station as the centerpiece for their navigation or DVD entertainment system or select one or more of Alpine's premium wide-screen monitors, offering the most vivid picture quality on the market.

Alpine will also launch the industry's first in-car system processor with integrated Dolby ProLogic II® technology, delivering theater-quality surround sound in the mobile environment. Offering supreme system control from a head unit and personalized sound tuning, Alpine's PXA-H700 Multimedia Manager allows consumers to enjoy a new benchmark in multi-channel in-vehicle sound.

Raising the Bar for the Industry with New AlpineF#1Status(TM) Products

In 2002, Alpine continues its commitment to the AlpineF#1Status philosophy by debuting two new products. The SPX-Z18T 3-way Component Speaker System, winner of the CES 2002 Innovation Award, is designed to be the absolute best component speaker system developed for the mobile environment. A four-channel amplifier will also debut later this year, bringing a combination of advanced technology and ultra high-fidelity power to the AlpineF#1Status family.

About Alpine Electronics

Alpine Electronics is the world's leading mobile electronics system supplier. Alpine specializes in an integrated platform concept for mobile multimedia with premium components for digital audio/video media playback, digital broadcast reception, security and satellite linked navigation. With research and development facilities in Asia, Europe and the U.S., Alpine is the global leader for in-vehicle navigation systems in Japan, North America and Europe for both after-market and OEM factory installations. Alpine Electronics is a consolidated subsidiary of Alps Electric Co., Ltd., one of the world's premier manufacturers of electronic components for computer, communications and car electronics equipment. Alpine is the Alps Group's specialized supplier of high quality mobile electronics systems. Visit Alpine at www.alpine.com to learn more about mobile multimedia excellence or www.alpine1.com to find the closest dealer.

For further information please contact John Rafacz, +1-310-248-5454, john@fdpr.com, or Heidi Davis, +1-207-363-8575, heidi@fdpr.com, both of Faiola Davis Public Relations for Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.

SOURCE: Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.