TURIN, Italy and PARIS, July 5 /PRNewswire/ --

- Fiat 500 global launch further demonstrates continuing success
of Microsoft and Fiat's Blue&Me.

Following the unveiling of Blue&Me(TM) Nav at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show,
Fiat Group Automobiles and Microsoft Corp (Nasdaq: MSFT) continue their
innovative partnership by offering the award-winning Blue&Me solution for the
latest Fiat car model -- the Fiat 500.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

Today's Turin launch of the 500 will coincide exactly with the 50th
anniversary of the original model's launch, which has developed a cult
following over the last five decades. The 500 will be made available first in
Italy, with further availability in the German and UK markets by the end of
2007. Blue&Me will be available as a standard feature in all top-end Fiat 500
versions and will be offered as an option in the entry-level 500 model at a
competitive price.

Blue&Me enables the seamless connection and integration of a wide range
of mass storage devices and mobile phones. Drivers and passengers can plug-in
their digital music players via a USB port and connect their mobile phones
wirelessly over Bluetooth. These devices can then be operated by using either
the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel or via the driver's voice
commands, enabling a hands-free infotainment experience while safely driving.
Blue&Me is also a flexible and updatable infotainment solution which
therefore easily keeps pace with the latest market innovations.

The partnership between Microsoft and Fiat was initiated nearly three
years ago and has seen the telematics solution rolled out across the Fiat,
Alfa Romeo, Iveco and Lancia ranges. The partnership has also garnered
several industry awards for innovation, including the "Excellence in
Technology of the Year Award for European Automotive Telematics and
Infotainment market" from Frost & Sullivan, the "Telematic Update of
Detroit", which recognised Blue&Me as the best telematics solution of the
year and the "Eurostars 2006" prize from Automotive News Europe. The Fiat 500
will be the latest model to incorporate this award-winning technology.

"Microsoft and Fiat have worked closely to achieve a goal to transform
the driving experience through connecting drivers seamlessly and safely to
the people, information and audio entertainment they care about while they
are on the road," said Carmelo Morgano, manager of the Microsoft Automotive
Business Unit, Europe. "With the 500, Fiat is further demonstrating its
hallmark combination of innovation and style. Microsoft will continue to
deliver and further develop innovative technology such as Blue&Me, which
guarantees an outstanding combination of intuitive, hands-free navigation,
communications and entertainment features."

Giuseppe Bonollo, vice president of Product Portfolio Management at Fiat,
said, "Following our launches of the Grande Punto and Bravo, Blue&Me has been
a critical component in delivering competitive advantage and building upon
our strengths. Nearly three years after we launched Blue&Me globally, it
still enjoys a significant competitive advantage, both in terms of product
offerings and pricing. Blue&Me remains the most cost-effective and adaptable
in-car telematic system ever made. The launch of the Fiat 500 will be another
chapter in our successful partnership with Microsoft."

About Fiat

One of the pioneer companies in the automobile industry, Fiat has
produced more than 87 million passenger cars and light commercial vehicles,
including no less than 400 models, since 1899, when the company was founded
in Turin, Italy. Some of them have represented milestones in the automotive
industry. The Fiat Group's Automobiles Sector operates world-wide with the
following brands: Fiat, celebrated for value, economy, and innovation and
whose mass produced cars are distributed over almost the entire price class
spectrum; Lancia (acquired in 1969) means prestige cars noted for their
elegant styling, and comfort; Alfa Romeo (acquired in 1986) is famous as a
maker of sport and luxury vehicles of style and distinction; Maserati
(acquired in 1992) represents a landmark in the history of the automobile;
Ferrari (acquired in 1969), well renowned for unsurpassed design,
performance, and luxury, is a legendary automobile that imparts special
cachet to its owner.  http://www.fiatautopress.com; http://www.fiat.com; 
http://www.lancia.com; http://www.alfaromeo.com; http://www.maserati.com;
http://www.ferrariworld.com

Microsoft Automotive Business Unit

Since 1995, Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit has worked
collaboratively with the auto industry to deliver technology designed for
advanced in-car information, navigation and entertainment systems. By
extending its knowledge of software for use in the car to Windows
Mobile-based Pocket PCs, Microsoft is able to deliver the easiest, most
convenient and most productive software designed specifically to help people
take their connected lifestyle with them wherever they go. In addition to
offering consumers an alternative means to experience in-car connectivity,
Microsoft will continue to provide the automotive industry with its advanced
telematics platform, Microsoft Auto. Microsoft technology is on the road
today in 61 pre-installed and aftermarket devices from 18 world-class
automakers and suppliers, including BMW, Citroen, Clarion Co. Ltd.,
DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, NexTech, Subaru, Toyota
and Volvo. More information about Microsoft Auto and Microsoft's Automotive
Business Unit can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsautomotive.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise
their full potential.

About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft
employs more than 13,000 people in over 60 subsidiaries, delivering products
and services in more than 138 countries and territories.

This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corporation
disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to use of the material
for other purposes. Microsoft Corporation shall not, at any time, be liable
for any special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an
action of contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in
connection with the use or performance of the material. Nothing herein should
be construed as constituting any kind of warranty.

Web site: http://www.microsoft.com
              http://www.fiatautopress.com
              http://www.fiat.com
              http://www.lancia.com
              http://www.alfaromeo.com
              http://www.maserati.com
              http://www.ferrariworld.com