Cypress, Calif., – (January 7, 2008) – Clarion Corporation of America, a leading manufacturer of mobile electronics, introduces an enhanced feature for direct iPod audio control via USB built directly into many of it’s newest multimedia source units.

Clarion presents six new CD and multimedia units with simple intuitive direct iPod connection using the standard iPod USB cable. “Clarion is committed to providing products that offer innovative and advanced features to improve the customer experience in the mobile environment,” said Adam Thomas, Vice President of Marketing at Clarion Corporation of America. “These products enable users to bring their own iPod and USB cable into the vehicle for effortless connection with no additional cost.”

All three Clarion DXZ models feature this capability including the DXZ785USB, DXZ585USB and DXZ385USB along with the DUZ385SAT entry-level 2DIN source unit. Direct USB iPod control is also a key aspect in the elegant premium single DIN VRX785BT and MAX685BT DVD double DIN multimedia units.

The showcase CD receivers, the DXZ785USB and the DXZ585USB both have Clarion’s signature “SLIDETRAK” HMI control, direct USB iPod connection, USB digital media streaming with DRM (WMDRM10) and MP3/ WMA/ AAC playback.

The SLIDETRAK control is a natural fit for scrolling through music files from an iPod. Both units are Bluetooth and Satellite Radio ready and offer CeNET control. If that’s not enough, they also are capable of interfacing with OEM steering wheel controls (with optional third party accessory), have AUX inputs and come with a two-year warranty.

The premium model, DXZ785USB also offers audiophile features such as: time alignment control, 3 band parametric EQ and 3-way crossover control. Its motorized detachable front panel has a highly visible full dot LCD, 2-line letter display which stands out to illuminate any dash brilliantly.

Clarion’s DXZ585USB unit is anything but middle of the road and features many of the same perks as the DXZ785USB also offering digital Z-enhancer, Sound Restorer, 24-Bit DAC and built-in low pass/ high pass frequency with 6 channel/ 6 volt RCA output.

For those who need a robust CD receiver with all the key features at a low-end price, the DXZ385USB answers the call. With all-new cosmetics, the DXZ385USB is a sleek unit offering MP3/ WMA/ AAC playback, front panel AUX input and USB port and is also Bluetooth and Satellite Radio ready. The unit includes CeNET control with 6-channel/ 2-volt RCA output, a detachable faceplate and it even comes with a remote control.

Clarion’s new DXZ line-up will be widely available in January 2008.

Product features include:

DXZ785USB (MSRP $399.99) All Models Available January 2008

DXZ585USB (MSRP $319.99)

DXZ385USB (MSRP $199.99)

About Clarion:

Clarion Corporation of America, headquartered in Cypress, California, is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Clarion Co. Ltd., which joined the Hitachi-group companies as a consolidated subsidiary in 2006. Clarion Corporation of America ranks among the top 150 North American OEM Suppliers and is recognized by an independent research firm for the highest customer satisfaction for 6CD radios in new vehicle’s sold in the U.S. Clarion, an international leader in mobile electronics since 1940, conducts research, development, engineering, design, manufacturing, sales and marketing of vehicle entertainment, navigation, rear vision, communications and security products for the automotive, marine and recreational vehicle environments. Clarion has over 10,000 employees worldwide and 12 factories in 10 countries, with marketing and sales affiliates in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia. Clarion is located on the Web at www.clarion.com.

iPod® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries.