Tokyo, Japan (September 17, 2009) - Clarion Co., Ltd., the pioneering global manufacturer of vehicle electronic devices, today announced that its NX509 audio, visual and navigation (AVN) device has won the iF design award china 2009 in the communication + entertainment category.

The NX509, which Clarion markets in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region except Japan, is a 7-inch, 2DIN AVN unit with built-in GPS navigation. It first went on sale in Europe in July 2009, and then North America and the Asia-Pacific region ex-Japan thereafter. Other than three hard keys, the device is controlled with soft keys via a touch screen. Its 2GB flash memory (4GB for European model) stores 3D map, 3D landmark as well as searched points-of-interest data. AV capabilities include DVD and CD playback, iPodTM direct control via a USB port, and playback of music files from a USB flash memory.

The NX509 was highly evaluated for its superior hardware and software designs, including its stylish simple appearance that harmonizes readily with vehicle interior spaces, augmented by the minimization of hard keys through the use of a touch screen.

The iF design award china program is an annual design competition organized by iF International Forum Design GmbH. Contestants are evaluated between July and August and winners are announced at the end of August in Shanghai, China. This year's awards focused on design quality, workmanship, choice of material, degree of innovation, environmental friendliness, functionality, ergonomics, visualization of use, safety, brand value/branding, and universal design.

The award-winning products, including Clarion's NX 509, will be displayed at the iF design award china 2009 exhibition in Shanghai from October 15.