Volvo Tunes in to Digital Music Solutions From PhatNoise

Volvo Tunes in to Digital Music Solutions From PhatNoise

New Partnership Delivers Customized iPod Integration and PhatNoise's Award-Winning Digital Jukebox System to Volvo Cars

LOS ANGELES, July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- PhatNoise, an innovator in bringing digital media to the automobile, today announced a ground-breaking partnership with Volvo Cars to offer digital music enthusiasts new options for seamlessly accessing their collections in Volvo vehicles. Through the partnership, Volvo becomes the first automotive company to offer consumers a choice of digital music accessories, including an integrated connectivity for the popular Apple iPod, or the on-board Digital Jukebox, a customized version of PhatNoise's award-winning PhatBox(R) Digital Media Player, which features 20GB of capacity and PhatNoise's signature Voice Index(TM) technology.

Both products will be dealer-installed options, with the iPod adapter available first in North America, followed by the Digital Jukebox which is expected to be available worldwide. Both products feature direct access to the music collection from the radio and steering wheel controls, complete with integrated audio connections for high quality digital sound.

"Volvo recognizes the explosion of consumer interest in digital music and is committed to giving their customers a variety of ways to take that experience with them on the road," said Sharon Graves, President and CEO of PhatNoise. "We're very gratified that PhatNoise solutions and our experience in this field have helped them make this vision a reality."

"For Volvo, PhatNoise was unquestionably the right partner. Their full service approach delivers innovative technology in a way that resonates with consumers and is right in line with Volvo's unprecedented commitment to safety," said Thomas Andersson, executive vice president, marketing for Volvo Cars of North America. "By allowing our customers to easily access their favorite songs on the iPod or the Digital Jukebox through the vehicles existing controls, consumers are free from distraction in order to keep their eyes on the road."

About the Digital Jukebox

The Digital Jukebox is a customized version of PhatNoise's award-winning PhatBox(R) Digital Media Player. The system integrates directly with each vehicle's existing stereo and steering wheel controls, plus features voice feedback for easy and safe navigation of thousands of your favorite songs. With 20GB of storage, the Digital Jukebox has a virtual capacity of 500 CDs, all stored digitally and organized by Artist, Album, Genre or personal Playlist. The system also includes easy-to-use PC software and a USB cradle for simple, one-click transfer of content from home to car. The Digital Jukebox will be available worldwide from Volvo retailers.

About the iPod Adapter

The Volvo Adapter for the Apple iPod, powered by PhatNoise, will be available for the S60, S80 and V70/XC70 models and will connect by simply plugging the iPod into a cable located in the car's armrest compartment. The Volvo iPod Adapter enables users to control their music through their Volvo sound system and steering wheel controls, and will charge the iPod when it is connected. The adapter will be available first in North America from Volvo retailers.

Pricing & Availability

The Volvo iPod Adapter and Digital Jukebox will be available beginning in June as authorized Volvo retailer-installed accessories. In the U.S., the Digital Jukebox has an MSRP of $898.00 (additional equipment may be required) and the iPod Adapter is has an MSRP of $150.00 (additional equipment may be required).

About PhatNoise

PhatNoise Inc. is a leading innovator in the drive to create seamless automotive access to the digital world. The company's advanced platforms and software for digital media offer complete solutions for introducing digital content into the automobile to enhance the consumer entertainment experience. PhatNoise creates products and technology for license and distribution by leading partners in the automotive and consumer electronics industries including Kenwood, Volkswagen, Volvo and General Motors.

About Volvo

VCNA, part of the Volvo Car Corporation of Gothenburg, Sweden, provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Volvo has been building cars with Safety in mind for over 75 years. The 2005 Volvo Cars model line-up includes: the award-winning new S40 and its wagon counterpart the all-new V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan -- including the award-winning performance sedan -- S60 R and the performance wagon version -- V70 R; the flagship S80 luxury sedan; versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); and the C70 convertible.

For more information on PhatNoise and its technologies and products, visit www.phatnoise.com

Source: PhatNoise

CONTACT: Jonalyn Morris of Bender/Helper Impact, +1-477-4647 ext 2265, jonalyn_morris@bhimpact.com, for PhatNoise; or James Hope of Volvo Cars of North America, +1-800-970-0888, jhope10@volvocars.com

Web site: http://www.phatnoise.com/

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