Plymouth, Mich., May 25, 2001 — Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America (MEAA), a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, today says it will be the first to market with an in-dash, six-disc DVD changer for rear-seat entertainment in cars and trucks. The new technology will appear in late 2003 model year applications.

"The new six-disc changer is very versatile," says Mike Antrim, Audio Products Executive Manager. "It accommodates either CD or DVD formats and is most likely to be mounted in either the instrument panel (IP) below the radio, in the headliner (with the DVD screen), or in the center console of vans and sport utility vehicles (SUV)."

Mitsubishi Electric developed the six-disc changer in response to the growing consumer demand for greater convenience and upgrades in rear-seat entertainment. "The new system allows car and truck owners the convenience of mixing up to six music CDs and video DVDs in one system," says Antrim. "Current single-disc technology provides just that — single disc function. In the late 2003 model year, vehicle owners will be able to mix entertainment options and easily load up to six discs."

Mitsubishi Electric patented the six-disc changer mechanism that will debut late in the 2003 model year. The mechanism will be manufactured at the company's Sanda Works facility. "We are the leading supplier of DVD mechanisms to automakers in North America," says Antrim. "We often supply the entire system — the screen, player and disc mechanism."

There are plenty of benefits for automotive engineers as well, including:

• Shortest mounting depth — The new disc changer is 20 mm (approximately one inch) shorter than the competitors' units, providing automotive designers with greater flexibility in designing the IP's.

"In fact, 50% of all cars and trucks can't package a changer in the IP because of the room needed for air ducts," says Antrim. "Future styling will drive the need for even smaller packaging space. IP's are becoming more sloped because consumers want open, spacious cabin styling."

• Unique disc transport — A patented disc-handling concept created by Mitsubishi Electric is the basis for the mounting depth advantage.
• Light weight — The weight of the mechanism is comparable to a 'CD-only' changer.

Antrim expects that 20% of the SUVs and minivans will be equipped with rear seat DVD players by the 2003 model year. He expects a similar application rate on vehicles offering the six-disc changer because of its convenience and relatively low price. "We plan to get as much of the rear-seat entertainment business as possible - whether it is the components, like the mechanism, or the entire system."

With nearly 80 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products to OEMs and consumers worldwide, Mitsubishi Electric is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development, satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and construction. The company has operations in 34 countries and recorded consolidated group sales of over $33 billion in the year ended March 31, 2001.

Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America (MEAA), a U.S. subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, was established in 1979 in response to the continued growth of the North American automotive business. MEAA offers all aspects of engineering, manufacturing, sales and marketing, distribution and service of electrical and electronic systems and components for automobile manufacturers and industrial engine manufacturers.