RNS Number:9989O
NXT PLC
26 August 2003

26 August 2003
                                    NXT plc

     Advances in automotive speaker systems thanks to NXT's SurfaceSound(R)
                                   technology

NXT licensees, Johnson Controls and Philips Sound Solutions, have joined
together to develop integrated solutions for the automotive arena using NXT's
SurfaceSound technology.

Thanks to NXT technology, speakers are incorporated into the vehicle's
panelling, optimising the interior acoustics of the vehicle, while offering a
design freedom that conventional car loudspeaker technology cannot. One of the
world's leading suppliers of automotive interior systems, Johnson Controls plans
to incorporate the flat panel technology into the substrate materials of a
vehicle.

Johnson Controls' sound engineers tested various substrate and surface materials
and a variety of installation positions, concluding that NXT's technology could
be used with almost all common materials with no loss of audio quality.
Additionally, NXT technology can be integrated into unconventional zones in the
vehicle interior, such as the overhead, instrument panel or pillar trim, to
enhance the perception of "surround sound" in the interior.

Aside from the acoustic advantages, NXT technology potentially offers automotive
manufacturers weight, space and cost savings, as few components and fewer
speakers are needed than with a conventional system.

Importantly, NXT's SurfaceSound technology offers greater design flexibility
since conventional loudspeakers are no longer necessary. "In future, the space
normally taken up by speakers in the door area can be used, for example, as
storage space for CD trays, trash bins, first-aid kits, or for the integration
of electronic products. Furthermore, we save one to two kilos of weight",
explained Olimpia Migliore, Product Manager Acoustics & Audio at Johnson
Controls.

The recent consumer study carried out by Johnson Controls indicated a very high
level of acceptance of NXT's flat panel technology, with 75 percent of the
respondents saying they would purchase a flat speaker system. They particularly
praised the extremely good tonal quality and the new design options made
possible by flat speakers. Some remarked that since speaker covers are no longer
needed with the new system, surfaces would be easier to keep clean. In addition,
as potential thieves would no longer be able to assess the value of the car's
stereo system with a quick glance through the window, the new technology would
also provide protection against theft.

Johnson Controls has stated that NXT technology will be available for model year
2007.

ENDS


For further information, please contact:

NXT UK Press Office                        Tel: 020 7343 4764 or
                                           Tel: 020 7343 4796

Nick Lockwood                              Tel: 020 7878 3181
Capital MS&L


About NXT

NXT's business is the invention, patenting, licensing and marketing of enabling
technologies in sound and speech. NXT is setting a new world-standard in
loudspeakers. It offers a superior alternative to existing technologies across
most product sectors while creating new opportunities where conventional
technology has been unable to deliver. NXT has developed industry-specific
expertise and is focused on helping its licensees advance product to market
efficiently and cost effectively.

NXT has more than 250 licensees for its patented SurfaceSound(R) flat panel
loudspeaker technology.

Licensees include 3M, Acer Computers, Armstrong, Authentic (mainly owned by
NEC), DaimlerChrysler, Fujitsu Ten, General Motors, Intier, LG Electronics,
Matsushita MEI, Philips, Pioneer, Siemens, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications,
TDK and Visteon. The company, which is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange
(symbol NTX), has Technology Centres in Cambridge and Malvern and operations in
London, Taiwan, Yokohama, Hong Kong, California and Detroit.

For more information about NXT: www.nxtsound.com.





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