Boston, MA - March 31, 2005 -- The latest Strategy Analytics telematics report, "Automotive Voice Technology Market Outlook 2005," reveals that nearly 50.3 million vehicles will have Voice Recognition Technology (VRT) communications systems by 2010, representing a significant 30 to 40 percent market penetration. This technology will assist with various functions, from dialing a cell phone and controlling the radio, to programming navigation systems and requesting emergency service.

According to Strategy Analytics, automotive manufacturers' in-vehicle product development and marketing strategies would benefit from recognizing more stringent hands-free cellular phone safety initiatives and other hands free automotive operations.

Hurdles remain, however, including competition from other human machine interfaces, such as central controllers (the BMW iDrive) or touch screen navigation systems. Continued research and development, lower system costs and higher voice recognition performance make voice recognition technology a normative Human Machine Interface within new vehicles.

"Voice recognition technology provides a remedy for the increased legislative pressure for hands-free cell phone use, as well as `hands on the wheel, eyes on the road' manipulation of audio, video, navigation and climate control," says Mark Fitzgerald, Senior Analyst, Automotive Service. "All manufacturers are looking forward to benefiting from innovations in voice technology."