LAS VEGAS (1/08/07) -- Blaupunkt debuted its new plug-and-play amplifier technology at the 2007 CES here today, dramatically reducing the time and effort needed to upgrade stock car audio systems. The company's forthcoming THA amplifier line will consist of remarkably small and cool-running car amplifiers that will work with Blaupunkt's car-specific wiring harnesses to install in most vehicles in under fifteen minutes with no cutting, crimping, stripping, or soldering whatsoever. Additionally, each amplifier will include an auxiliary input to allow the addition of portable music players or other sources, even with stock radios that lack this capability. The first model in the line, the THA 475, was selected for the Best of Innovations award in the Mobile Audio category at the 2007 CES .

When combined with one of Blaupunkt's 40 car-specific harness adapters, the THA plug and play amplifiers integrate directly with the OEM radio in any of over 2000 vehicles with no destructive alteration to the car's wiring. The units can be removed as easily as they are installed, making them ideal for leased vehicles whose original wiring and systems must be completely restored at the lease's end. They are approximately 2/3 smaller than conventional, similarly rated amplifiers and run at extremely cool temperatures, allowing them to be installed in nearly any space, including behind the dash, under the front seats, or behind interior panels.

"Our plug-and-play amplifiers will single-handedly eliminate every major hurdle to aftermarket amplifier installation, particularly with leased vehicles," comments Blaupunkt USA General Manager Lutz Marschall. "They are unbelievably simple to install and remove thanks to our plug and play car harness adapters, and are designed to work with even the most unfriendly radios – many of which simply cannot be upgraded with any other solution. They also provide consumers with the ability to integrate additional sources, even with radios that have no allowance for an auxiliary input. There simply has never been an easier, faster, or more effective way to improve the quality and capabilities of OEM car audio systems."

The THA amplifiers utilize a sophisticated Class "D" design with nearly 80 percent efficiency in conjunction with a new power supply design called "Planar Power Plant" (3P) that eliminates electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and audio band interference problems that plague most class D designs. As a result, they draw substantially less power than conventional designs, and are fully compatible with the 18 gauge wires typically employed in OEM harnesses, eliminating the need for routing a separate power cable for the amplifier.

Blaupunkt's full line of THA plug-and-play car amplifiers will be introduced in the second quarter of 2007.

Blaupunkt, the mobile electronics division of The Robert Bosch Corporation, designs and manufactures high quality and high performance car audio, video and navigation products for sale worldwide. For Blaupunkt dealer locations and product information, call 1(800) 950-BLAU [2528] or visit the company's web site at <www.blaupunktusa.com>.

In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs more than 23,300 associates in more than 80 facilities throughout North America and reported sales of $6.6 billion in 2003. For more information, visit <www.boschusa.com>.

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