Software maker Microsoft Corp. announced today that it will work with Germany"s Siemens VDO Automotive AG on a line of communication, information, entertainment and navigation products for vehicles in a deal which extends Microsoft"s quiet push into the automotive space. The new products, which the companies said include high-end multimedia units and ways to better use portable devices like digital music players in cars, will be built on the Microsoft Auto platform. The two companies have promised to deliver the products to the market faster than the typical automotive industry"s product development cycle. The first product, a multimedia platform built by Siemens that lets drivers use portable entertainment devices in the car, is expected to go into production as early as 2009. Financial details of the Microsoft deal were not disclosed.