Future of In-Car Communications

MEDIA RELEASE: The Future For In-Car Communications Unveiled

Tuesday, 1 March 2005: At this Wednesday's (2 March) Change by Design conference in Melbourne, the Australian Telematics Industry Cluster, a consortium of leading motoring and technology companies, will unveil its AT Signature Initiative, the future for Australian In-Car Communications.

AT Signature is a broadband, in-car touch-screen enabled system with an exciting array of features. The Mark 1 prototype includes:

• Turn by turn directions to your required destination
• Real-time monitoring of traffic congestion
• Real-time roadside camera images
• Nearby car park locations, availability and prices
• Emergency features such as SOS assistance, vehicle alarm monitoring and crash detection
• Ability to check your CityLink toll balance
• A range of high-value alerts including traffic alerts, car service reminders, fuel pricing and weather alerts. 

You can even monitor and operate services in your home, such as lights, alarms and air-conditioning.

"The motor vehicle represents the third generation of wired communications behind the Internet and mobile phones" said Mr Adam Game, CEO of Intelematics Australia Pty Ltd. "The rapid uptake of in-car navigation shows us that there is enormous latent driver demand for in-car services".

"AT Signature shows us what can be done through the integration of technologies, services and content designed with the needs of today's driver in mind".

"Motorists need to know what is happening beyond what they can directly perceive. Is there an accident ahead? Will the road conditions be bad? How do I get there? Has my home alarm been triggered? AT Signature will greatly assist drivers in managing these and many other vehicle and home environment tasks."

According to Mr Brian Smith, General Manager of Sensis Wireless & Location unit, AT Signature is a great story of vision and Australian innovation. It demonstrates not only an exciting future for Australian drivers, but it shows just what can be achieved by Australian organisations working together with common goals.

Media enquiries regarding the in-car Telematics system and it's functions can be directed to Mr Adam Game, CEO, Intelematics Pty Ltd. Adam can be contacted on 03 8415 9010 or 0414 811 294. Images are available for download from:

http://www.about.sensis.com.au/news/photo_library.php.

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About the Australian Telematics Industry Initiative

The Australian Telematics Industry Initiative aims to create a new national telematics sector through a number of initiatives such as collaborative industry projects, the development of a national telematics cluster, establishing a national capabilities handbook, international benchmarking, and technology road mapping. The initiative is strongly supported by industry, led by a pro-active consortium of leading motoring and technology companies including Australian Arrow, Clipsal, Holden, Intelematics, Sensis and 3M Touch Systems.

With the backing of AusIndustry and the Victorian Government, AEEMA in liaison with ITS Australia, have been working with the consortium to create a vision for the wired car. AT Signature is that vision - a broadband enabled in-dash communications system that connects drivers with the information they need to take control of their environment.

Further information relating to the Australian Telematics Industry Cluster, please contact Mr. John Humphreys, Leader, National Telematics Industry Initiative and Managing Director, Global Innovation Centre Pty Ltd on 07 3831 1636, 0419 870 009 or johnh@globalinnovation.com.au.

For an on-line demonstration of the new system visit http://demonstrator.intelematics.com.au.

For related stories see:

Septmber 2004: Ndarala professional John Humphreys (Global Innovation Centre, Brisbane) chairs national telematics event to launch Australian telematics industry. Story.

August 2004: Ndarala professional John Humpherys (Global Innovation Centre, Brisbane) to project manage joint industry/Government initiative intended to establish Australian national telematics industry. Story