VIDEOMIRROR SOLUTION GROUP FROM MAGNA PUTS DRIVERS IN THE SAFETY ZONE

Expanded field of vision reduces blind zones 

LAS VEGAS, January 7, 2008 – Magna Donnelly and Magna Electronics, two operating units of automotive supplier Magna International Inc., demonstrated at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show how to expand vision while backing up and parking with VideoMirror™ Solution Group. This family of innovative solutions is part of the Total BlindZoneManagement™ (TBZM™) product line, which makes driving safer and more convenient by assisting drivers and reducing vehicle blind zones. 

According to the nonprofit safety organization Kids and Cars (www.kidsandcars.org), there were 474 fatal back-over accidents between 2001 and 2006, with another 100 additional fatalities last year. The VideoMirror Solution Group directly addresses these disturbing statistics by reducing dangerous blind zones while backing-up and parking. The newest product offering incorporates additional functionality to reduce driver distraction by allowing drivers to access navigation and telematics information in a heads-up location. 

“Our VideoMirror heads-up solutions provide drivers with expanded vision around the vehicle, including traditional blind zones, as well as an expanded sense of security,” says Jeff Jermyn, VP of Sales and Marketing, Magna Interiors & Exteriors.   “VideoMirror takes blind zones and turns them into safety zones.” 

VideoMirror is a rearview mirror that conceals a 2.5” or 3.5” LCD video screen. The mirror itself is available in auto-dimming or prismatic with all information being displayed in a heads-up location, which allows drivers a better view of the road and their surroundings while accessing information for safer driving. 

VideoMirror offers the flexibility to interface with wireless video and hands-free communication, in addition to offering video zooming features, navigation and multiple camera inputs. VideoMirror products are currently found on the Ford Super Duty, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Land Cruiser and Hummer H2, and will be available on future makes and models. 

The VideoMirror Solution Group is part of TBZM and includes the following product offerings:

 NaviMirror™ provides drivers a safer way to interface with navigational and telematics information by reducing driver distraction and keeping eyes on the road. The navigational data is displayed in a heads-up position on the VideoMirror touch screen, which allows drivers a better view of the road and their surroundings while accessing directional information for safer driving. This is a plug and play solution with “eyes on the road” convenience.

 ReversAid™ gives drivers an extra set of eyes when backing up or hitching trailers. When the vehicle is put into reverse, a rear camera displays a wide-angle view of the rear blind zone on the VideoMirror screen. ReversAid was designed specifically to reduce rear blind zones with a best-in-class, low-cost solution.  Magna Electronics combined state-of-the-art optics with advanced image processing technologies in fully automotive-grade packages.  This technology is currently in production on the BMW X5, Ford F-Series/SuperDuty, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Fiat Ducato, Iveco Daily and GM H2.

 ReversAid is also available with graphic or dynamic overlays, which project on-screen gridlines over your rear-camera image and provide directional guidelines and distance of the vehicle to an object; ultrasonic integration, which highlights an object in the vehicle’s path in addition to an audible alert; 180-degree wide angle, which gives drivers a full 180-degree view behind their vehicle; or front mounted cameras, which can offer drivers the option of an additional front view. 

VideoMirror products and other TBZM offerings can be combined for customized OEM solutions to fit every vehicle from large SUVs to small sedans. Tailored solutions to fit the needs of all drivers can be provided through the automotive aftermarket and select auto dealerships. For more information, please visit www.magna.com.

About Magna International

Magna is the most diversified automotive supplier in the world. Magna designs, develops and manufactures automotive systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineers and assembles complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers of cars and light trucks in North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. Magna’s capabilities include the design, engineering, testing and manufacture of automotive interior systems; seating systems; closure systems; metal body and chassis systems; vision systems; electronic systems; exterior systems; powertrain systems; roof systems; as well as complete vehicle engineering and assembly. 

Magna has approximately 83,000 employees in 240 manufacturing operations and 62 product development and engineering centers in 23 countries.