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Motorola, OnStar and Saturn Electronics Collaborate to Develop Next-Generation Wireless
Communications Products for GM Vehicles Starting in 2000
Initiative reinforces commitment to minority sourcing
NORTHBROOK, Ill., May 17 - The Integrated Electronics
Systems Sector (IESS) of Motorola (NYSE: MOT) has teamed with OnStar, the
country's leading in-vehicle communication and information service, and Saturn
Electronics & Engineering, a leading manufacturer of electronic components, to
develop and produce Telematics devices for GM vehicles. Under the
arrangement, it is contemplated that advanced wireless products will be
offered on virtually every GM car and truck -- more than a million vehicles --
beginning with model year 2001. The value of this initiative could approach
$1 billion over its lifetime.
Telematics is an emerging market for automotive communications technology
that combines wireless voice and data to provide location-specific security,
information, productivity and in-vehicle entertainment services.
The multi-year, multi-million-unit contract with OnStar, a unit of General
Motors that develops in-vehicle safety, security and information services,
further advances the state of automotive communications technology. Based on
a Motorola Telematics platform that uses global positioning system (GPS)
satellite technology and wireless communication, OnStar links drivers with a
24-hour call center to provide roadside assistance, emergency calling, remote
door unlock and other services.
Saturn, based in Auburn Hills, Mich., is a minority-owned company that
will manufacture certain telematics components under Motorola's contract for
OnStar.
"Our partnership with OnStar will leverage Motorola's unique strengths in
the emerging automotive communications market," said Joe Guglielmi, executive
vice president and president of Motorola's Integrated Electronics Systems
Sector. "Motorola pioneered the technologies upon which these new products
are based, and our core expertise in automotive electronics, communications
and embedded computing reinforce our position as the market leader. This
major contract underscores the growing importance of wireless communications
in the automotive market."
The product offering incorporates technologies from Motorola's Telematics
Communications Group (TCG), which combines Motorola's GPS receiver and
wireless communications capabilities, including cellular voice and data
transmission. Motorola TCG offers one of the most widely used communications
platforms deployed in the Telematics market today.
"This is an exceptional opportunity to foster innovation and it recognizes
our commitment to minority sourcing," said Harold Kutner, General Motors group
vice president worldwide purchasing and North American control and logistics.
"Motorola is a premier electronic system supplier and Saturn is an outstanding
electronics manufacturing company. We are pleased to work with them to
develop Telematics products."
Continuing its track record of Telematics leadership, Motorola's future
products will enable drivers and passengers to access unprecedented levels of
information, entertainment and services and will greatly improve the hours
spent by consumers in their vehicles.
Through a combination of technologies, Telematics products enhance
consumers' driving experiences and safety on the road. OnStar was one of the
first in-vehicle systems to capitalize on the benefits of Telematics products.
Motorola IESS
Motorola Integrated Electronic Systems Sector (IESS) is a unit of
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT). IESS designs and manufactures a range of
electronic components, modules and integrated electronic systems and products
for automotive, computer, industrial, transportation, navigation, energy
system and consumer markets. IESS consists of four closely related business
units that work together to form a seamless partnership. These units include
the Energy Systems Group (ESG), Motorola Computer Group (MCG), Automotive &
Industrial Electronics Group (AIEG) and the Telematics Communications Group
(TCG). IESS is a leading provider of advanced electronic products and systems
for customers integrating electronics into their products. Motorola IESS
solutions provide the brains -- the DigitalDNA(TM) -- that make electronic
systems smart, powerful and easy to use.
OnStar
OnStar, launched in 1996, is the in-vehicle safety, security and
information service that uses global positioning system (GPS) satellite
technology and wireless communication to link the driver and vehicle to a 24-
hour OnStar center, where advisors provide real-time, person-to-person help.
In addition to emergency calls, OnStar offers stolen vehicle tracking, remote
door unlock, remote vehicle diagnostics, route support, convenience services
locator and concierge services.
Saturn Electronics & Engineering
Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc. is a supplier of electronic systems
and components in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry. Its
highly innovative products are designed, engineered and manufactured worldwide
for the communications, automotive, computer, medical and military industries.
Saturn operates manufacturing facilities in five countries serving the North
American, European and Asian markets. It is a value-added supplier that
supplies Fortune 100 companies worldwide. Saturn works closely with its
customers to provide integrated solutions to complex design, engineering and
manufacturing problems. Its products and capabilities are strategically
aligned into three operating divisions: electronic, electromechanical and
electrical.
www.motorola.com
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