Buick has added Personal Vehicle Assistance (PVA) features to its Regal Cielo concept.
Cielo PVA components include an IP touch screen and instrument cluster display.
Delphi's Communiport rear-seat entertainment system fits on top of the Cielo's rear seat.
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Buick has added "Personal Vehicle Assistance (PVA)" features such as onboard computers and entertainment systems to its Regal Cielo, a potential limited-production convertible with an innovative retractable hardtop. The e-GM vehicle is the latest example of General Motors' effort to demonstrate its portfolio of in-vehicle communication and information products that allow customers to stay connected to the office and home while on the road.
The car's intelligent data bus (IDBTM) provides the network component for connecting consumer electronics products such as navigation and anti-theft devices, personal digital assistants (PDA), pagers, and wireless communications devices to each other and the vehicle. The reconfigurable IDBTM network allows consumers to easily add new information, entertainment, and communications technology to their vehicles as they are developed.
The Cielo "e-features" include a link in the instrument panel (IP) that allows direct access to PDA information via voice-activated and steering wheel controls. Voice-activated control is employed for the retractable roof, PDA, entertainment systems, and cellular telephone. A laptop computer is integrated into a briefcase built into the flat-folding front-passenger seatback. There is a Sony Memory Stick system for data transfer, and personalized Web-based information is provided by OnStar's Virtual Advisor.
Most system functions, including those for radio and entertainment-center controls and PDA information recall, are accessed via a center IP-mounted touch screen. The instrument cluster displays PDA information such as the name and telephone number of a person being called via the vehicle's built-in wireless telephone.
A Communiport seat-mounted audio/video system allows rear passengers to plug in a video game platform or play a DVD movie. The Delphi Automotive Systems unit, which fits on top of the rear bench seat, can be played in or out of the vehicle.
"Rear-seat entertainment systems are part of the hot trend in bringing mobile multimedia systems into vehicles," said David J. Bastin, Director of Marketing for Delphi Delco Electronics Systems. "These systems are especially popular with the growing market segment that is purchasing sport utilities and vans. However, this system is so versatile that it fits almost any car or truck with a rear seat regardless of size."
The audio/video system is secured with a seatbelt and plugged into the cigarette lighter power source. A 7-in color display flips up from the 500 x 200 mm (20 x 8 in) console and not only shows movies or games, but also provides storage space for headphones, game cartridges, and DVDs.
In addition to the seat-top rear-seat audio/video system, Delphi plans to market a floor-mounted integrated seat module and integrated headliner rear-seat entertainment system. Buick says a system similar to the Cielo's may be available in the future for its cars through GM Service Parts Operations and GM dealerships.
Kevin Jost
AEI September 2000
