Car Briefs

By Staff On Sep 3 2007 - 6:00am

Delphi Ships Color XM

WASHINGTON — XM unveiled its first color screen plug-and-play radio.

Supplied by Delphi, the XpressRC offers a color split-screen display that lets listeners view the current channel information on one side while browsing through other stations on the right. A buffer also saves the last 60 minutes of programming so listeners can replay what they've just heard. Other features include the ability to save up to 10 favorite songs for future listening. The unit has a FrequencyFinder feature that scans and locates available FM frequencies to use with an FM modulator.

The Delphi XpressRC is expected to ship this fall at a suggested $169.

Kenwood Ships Marine Receivers

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Kenwood is offering two new marine CD receivers with satellite radio, iPod, HD-Radio and dual-zone capability.

Both the KTS-300MR and KTS-MP400MR marine-grade receivers can be used with an optional hardwired remote and a second remote can be added for use on a swim deck or bow.

The KTS-MP400MR adds MP3 and WMA playback and front, rear and subwoofer pre-amp outputs for future system expansion.

Suggested retail prices are $250 and $300 plus $120 for the remote.

Brandmotion Adds iPod Adapter

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Brandmotion, which takes popular consumer electronics products and adapts them to the Ford JCI rail, is launching an iPod adaptor for 2005 or newer Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicles to be sold mainly through car dealers initially and then through the aftermarket.

The iPod connector lets Ford owners use the radio controls to operate their iPod while retaining satellite radio at a suggested retail of $245.