Arlington Va. - The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) Mobile Division Board announced today that it would ask the R6 Mobile Electronics Technology and Standards Committee to develop standards addressing applications and increased functionality for aftermarket automotive products to communicate over Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) networks. MOST is a multimedia fiber-optic network optimized for the transfer of audio and video information in automotive applications. The Mobile Division Board announced its decision to develop MOST compliant standards for aftermarket automotive electronics after a board meeting held during CEA Fall Conference and Industry Forum on Oct. 13-16 2002 in San Francisco.The CEA Mobile Electronics Board recognizes that new automotive multimedia databus systems create challenges and opportunities for automotive aftermarket manufacturers to develop interconnectivity over in-vehicle networks said Stephen Witt vice president of marketing for Alpine Electronics and Mobile Board chair. In the rapidly evolving automotive electronics marketplace the actions planned by the board are expected to ensure continued consumer choice and safety from a wide selection of new information and entertainment technologies.The ability to upgrade to the latest automotive electronics is an important factor to consumers according to a July 2002 CEA online survey entitled Connectivity Issues for Mobile CE Products. Of the 1288 adults surveyed 40 percent placed importance on having the option to add electronics after purchasing a vehicle and nearly two-thirds (64 percent) wanted the option of being able to change their vehicle electronics. More than a third (34 percent) said they would be less likely to purchase a car they want if they would not able to change or replace the electronics.The R6 Mobile Electronics Committee of CEA's Technology and Standards Department is expected to comply with the Mobile Division's request and begin work on developing the standards in early 2003.