Chrysler Corporation buys 4,800 Philips compact disc interactive (CD-i) players to launch retail consultant training program; largest CD-i Contract Award Ever for Professional Products group.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 12, 1995--Chrysler Corporation has implemented a user-friendly technology called compact disc - interactive (CD-i). Beginning this month, approximately 4,800 dealerships will utilize Philips' CD-i as the primary means to train retail sales consultants on Chrysler products and the skills necessary to satisfy customers.

"The contract for the 4,800 CD-i players is the largest ever awarded to Philips Professional Products Group for this product," said Gary T. Pearson, vice president and general manager. "The uses of CD-i in training and educational applications like this one at Chrysler are endless. We believe Chrysler, along with other automobile manufacturers who are already using CD-i, is setting the standard for multimedia training delivery."

Unlike other computer based training programs, Chrysler's interactive system requires a minimum of hardware. The only requirements are a CD-i player, a television monitor and a controller. The entire system then connects to the Chrysler Information Access Link which allows for the immediate uploading of data for certification credit.

According to G.E. Dilts, Chrysler's director of sales & marketing training, the company wanted to move towards a technology which was user-friendly, transportable and cost effective. "Philips met all those criteria, and we were particularly impressed with the full-motion video quality of the units," said Mr. Dilts. "Because CD-i allows for a great deal of interaction and is easy and economical to operate, it made good sense to adopt the technology."

Ross Roy Communications, Inc. has been chosen as Chrysler's interactive training partner and has developed a product preview disc program which will arrive in Chrysler dealerships in late September. Additionally, Ross Roy will be initiating an on-going professional development CD-i series for sales consultants and sales managers starting in January 1996.

Philips Professional Products is a division of Philips Consumer Electronics Company, Knoxville, Tenn., marketer of the popular Philips and Magnavox brands. Philips Electronics N.V. is among the world's 30 largest industrial corporations, sells products in 150 nations, operates nearly 300 factories and employs nearly 250,000 people in 60 countries. Philips has become the global leader in electronics, with key innovations including compact disc and audio cassette technology.

CONTACT: Mallory Factor Inc.

Peter Binazeski, 212/242-0000

or

Philips Professional Products

Gary Pearson, 615/541-5800