Mercedes-Benz Makes Motorola-Equipped Tele Aid Systems Now Standard On
All Model Year 2001 Vehicles
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Oct. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Motorola (NYSE: MOT) and Mercedes-Benz
USA (MBUSA) today announced the deployment of Tele Aid, a Telematics system developed
with Motorola, as a standard feature on all Model Year 2001 Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This
decision by Mercedes represents an agreement valued at more than $225 million in Motorola's
Telematics hardware over the next four years. As the first automotive manufacturer to offer
in-vehicle Telematics systems as standard across an entire vehicle line, Mercedes-Benz is further
demonstrating its commitment to driver safety, convenience and security. The Tele Aid system
provides MBUSA with the ability to offer several different services, including automatic
emergency response, roadside assistance and product information, such as answering vehicle
questions or providing retailer information. MBUSA is providing the Tele Aid service free of
charge for the first year.
To further exhibit the significance of Tele Aid's widespread availability, Motorola will launch a print
advertising campaign about the new standard Tele Aid feature. These ads will appear in
automotive trade publications and select editions of general business publications to extend the
reach to a broad base of technology professionals.
Motorola's Telematics technologies are the driving force behind the Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid
system. Tele Aid is another example of Motorola's DigitalDNA(TM) technology-chips, systems
and ideas that help smart companies create smart products. The Tele Aid system incorporates
Motorola's Telematics Communication Unit (TCU(TM)) -- a Motorola GPS receiver and wireless
communications technology, combined with cellular voice and data transmission capabilities. The
Motorola TCU, one of the market's leading Telematics units in terms of sales and advanced
technology, was developed specifically for the automotive environment.
"We're pleased that MBUSA has utilized Motorola's state-of the-art Telematics technology and is
offering Tele Aid as a standard feature in all its vehicles," said Marios Zenios, corporate vice
president and general manager, Motorola's Telematics Communications Group. "The availability of
Tele Aid is a great example of how the proliferation of Telematics systems is spurring demand and
changing the face of the automotive industry.
"The Tele Aid system is a valuable feature to MBUSA customers," said Ken Enders, vice
president of sales and marketing, MBUSA. "Since the safety and security of Mercedes-Benz
drivers is of the utmost importance, it's only natural to offer this feature as standard. With
Motorola's help, we look forward to further development of this vital system." About
Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, a Daimler Chrysler company, is headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey
and employs approximately 1,500 people in 20 locations across the U.S. Through a nationwide
network of over 300 retailers, Mercedes-Benz sold 189,437 vehicles in the U.S. during 1999, an 11
percent increase over the previous year, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history.
Currently over eight percent ahead of last year, the company expects to set a new sales record in
2000. Motorola IESS
The Integrated Electronic Systems Sector (IESS) is part of Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT). IESS is
a leading provider of advanced electronic products and systems for customers integrating
electronics into their products. The Telematics Communications Group (TCG) is a business unit of
Motorola IESS. TCG was formed in 1998 and focuses on emerging automotive communications
markets for advanced wireless applications.
Schade für Comroad & Co - gerade Mercedes als Vorreiter - da werden wohl andere Autofirmen noch folgen. Wenn ich es richtig verstehe, scheint es sich aber eher um einen Notfall- und Reparaturservice zu handeln, nicht direkt das Geschäftsfeld von Comroad.
Gruß Dampf