Pioneer launches all new cd tuner with added Navigation Functionality.

Pioneer Europe NV today launches its new CD tuner that incorporates smart navigation technology - the ANH-P9R. Complementing Pioneer's DVD Cyber Navi and car entertainment categories, the ANH-P9R is perfect for those wishing to purchase a new car radio with the added functionality of navigation software.

The tuners navigation system features coverage of Europe on one disc enabling detailed cross-border and door-to-door navigation removing the hassle of changing disks when entering a new country and ensuring that every journey is simple and seamless. In addition, the ANH-P9R utilises voice guidance through the front loud speakers, providing easy to understand step-by-step voice instructions that mimic a virtual co-pilot and ensures that a driver's eyes are always on the road. This is coupled with Arrow Type navigation on the display panel which represents an iconised view of the junction ahead which the driver can glance at easily for added reassurance that they have understood the instruction correctly.

"Cross border driving is becoming common place in Europe with navigation systems vastly improving the confidence of drivers to traverse new territories. Our goal is to enhance the driving experience, whether through the delivery of superior sound for music listening or systems that can help drivers find their way," said Geert Verhoeven, new media product planning manager, Car Electronics Division, Pioneer Europe NV. "The ANH-P9R combines the quality, sleekness and robustness of our car audio products with sophisticated navigation technology - a perfect partnership that illustrates the latest advances in car entertainment equipment."

An intuitive product, the ANH-P9R allows playback of audio CDs (including CD-R/CD-RW) whilst navigating, as all route information is stored in the navigation computer's memory after calculation. In addition, the ANH-P9R automatically stores information on the corridor around the given route, so if a driver leaves the route, it will easily guide them to their destination without reprogramming or reinsertion of the disc.

The ANH-P9R has a slim, fully detachable, brushed aluminium front panel and features unique technology from Pioneer such as a high-resolution blue and white Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) display. This features the possibility for 3D graphics through a wide viewing angle and provides excellent visibility anytime of the day. The sound quality is second-to-none with a 4 x 50W MOSFET amplifier that delivers high power under any conditions and distortion-free sound, coupled with the EEQ+ Easy Equaliser system - with a host of equaliser controls making it easier than ever to create custom tailored sound.

Other key features include:

• TMC (Traffic Message Channel) functionality in Germany, Netherlands, Italy and Switzerland for advanced traffic information based routing
• A built-in RDS Tuner dedicated to TMC reception allowing the user to freely select the TMC service provider
• Full DAB Control / IP bus feature allowing connection and control of Pioneer components
• The user can select from a list of 23 voices in 10 languages
• Multifunction "Rotary Stick" Knob, combining joystick and rotary controls in a single device for 'one-touch operation'
• Soft key operation
• Detachable hard case

Optional accessories include:

• Steering Remote control for all audio functions

The ANH-P9R will be available from June 2002.

For further information, please contact your local Pioneer distributor:

About Pioneer
Pioneer Corporation is a global leader in electronics and audio/video products for the home, car, commerce and industry, particularly in the two core multimedia technologies - Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and plasma display panels (PDP). Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: PIO), Euronext Amsterdam, Tokyo Stock Exchange, and Osaka Securities Exchange.