Airbiquity, a company that develops wireless in-band modem
software products, and Continental Automotive Systems, a leading
global automotive supplier, today announced that they have signed a
global licensing agreement for the use of Airbiquity's aqLink
software. The agreement cements and extends Airbiquity's working
relationship with Continental, the recognized global leader in
telematics control units.
"Airbiquity is pleased to sign the global licensing agreement with
Continental, a leader in providing telematics solutions, as it allows
us to address our rapidly growing global telematics business and
provide customers a modular product platform with a reliable wireless
data transport for telematics services," said Airbiquity President and
CEO Kamyar Moinzadeh. "Continental's global presence opens new
business opportunities in North America, Europe and Asia and we look
forward to expanding in those markets."
Continental Automotive Systems' telematics business unit has
surged to the forefront with the innovation, development and
commercialization of embedded telematics and hands-free communication
systems using Bluetooth wireless technology. Continental's telematics
and hands-free systems are included in more than 12 million cars on
the road today.
Airbiquity's aqLink software enables the transport of critical
wireless data over the voice channel of any wireless global network in
an embedded or Bluetooth hands-free telematics communication system
during a voice conversation. Airbiquity's software is deployed in over
4.5 million vehicles.
"Telematics plays an important role in our efforts to integrate
embedded or hands-free, in-vehicle wireless communication systems into
our Active Passive Integration Approach (APIA), which focuses on
creating cars that avoid crashes, prevent injuries and provide
immediate assistance if a crash proves unavoidable," said Dr.
Karl-Thomas Neumann, president of Continental Automotive Systems. "The
significance of the ability to transmit real-time data over the voice
channel cannot be overstated, which is why the aqLink product is a
critical step toward implementing our strategy in vehicles made by
world-class manufacturers we serve."
Airbiquity and Continental are working jointly on North American
and pan-European eCall pilot projects using the aqLink in-band modem
technology. The aqLink technology facilitates transmission of data
such as a vehicle's location during an emergency, airbag notifications
and remote diagnostics information.
About Airbiquity
Airbiquity provides software solutions that enable product
suppliers and service providers in the M2M and telematics industries
to deliver reliable and ubiquitous data communications by leveraging
existing wireless networks. Airbiquity's aqLink software modem is used
by some of the largest automotive manufacturers in their telematics
service offerings. To learn more about Airbiquity, please visit their
web site at www.airbiquity.com.
About Continental
The Continental Corporation is a leading automotive supplier of
brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and
technical elastomers. In 2005 the corporation realized sales of
EUR13.8 billion. At present it has a worldwide workforce of around
85,000.
As a worldwide leading technology partner to the automotive
industry, the Automotive Systems Division of Continental AG integrates
extensive know-how and uncompromising quality in the fields of driving
safety, embedded telematics and hands-free communication systems,
powertrain and comfort. In 2005 the Division achieved sales of approx.
EUR5.2 billion with a workforce of more than 24,000. Continental
Automotive Systems develops and produces electronic and hydraulic
brake, stability and chassis control systems, electronic air
suspension systems, sensors, engine management and transmission
control systems, hybrid drives, cooling fan modules, body and security
electronics and also is the industry leader of embedded telematics and
communication systems in vehicles.
In 2006 Continental Automotive Systems celebrates altogether 100
years of successful automotive technologies. The slogan "Forward
Thinking" points to the future and the mission to keep pushing for new
dimensions in safe mobility and the joy of driving cars.
