Telematics http://www.whnet.com/4x4/telematics.

html

Digital TeleAid Retrofit for MY2004 S-Class As previously announced TeleAid needs to be switched to digital service by 2008. A retrofit just became available for the model year 2004 S-Class. Five connectors from the analog TeleAid unit under the rear seat are unplugged: A GPS antenna, B antenna, C power supply, D power supply, E Most fiber, and instead plugged into the retrofit digital Teleaid unit, part number BQ 482 0124, and then coded with the Star Diagnostic System. 10/6/2006

BMW Adds Real Time Traffic Information to Its Navigation System BMW did it. NAV systems in several 2007 models will have free real time traffic info fed into them, enabling dynamic rerouting. A satellite radio is not necessary as the signal is fed by FM RDS TMC subcarrier using Clear Channel's broadcast network. BMW USA: "Traffic data is then streamed to a dedicated tuner in the car's radio and transferred directly to the navigation system, so customers can receive traffic updates from a variety of stations, 24 hours a day, seven days a week -- even when the radio is turned off or when the customer is listening to other entertainment sources such as a CD or iPod. The navigation system calculates the best route considering the traffic incidents and potential delays. In addition to alerting the driver to where the traffic is, if the delay is calculated to be more than 5 minutes then the navigation system will offer alternative routes around the congestion, either automatically or at the choice of the driver." Continue to: "BMW releases real time traffic information (RTTI) as no-fee service"

Continue to: "Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network Named Traffic ISP for BMW of North America" Continue to: "The Inrix Smart Dust Network" 9/7/2006 How's the latency across the wireless link? Here's a test from the car on 101 across about 1 mile wireless (Tropos MESH Network) into Google's vpn server: wolfgang> ping -n 20 vpn.google.com: Pinging vpn.google.com [64.9.224.68] with 32 bytes of data: Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=81ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=9ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=8ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=8ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=8ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=11ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=8ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=8ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=8ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=9ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=8ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=9ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=9ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=8ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=8ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=13ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=10ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=15ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=9ms TTL=63 Reply from 64.9.224.68: bytes=32 time=7ms TTL=63 Ping statistics for 64.9.224.68: Packets: Sent = 20, Received = 20, Lost = 0 (0% loss), Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds: Minimum = 7ms, Maximum = 81ms, Average = 12ms 8/31/2006

Michigan VII testbed The Vehicle Infrastructure Integration testbed in Michigan is currently under construction to test feasibility before wider deployment decisions are made in 2008. read the draft here (pdf, 16 pages) 8/29/2006

California Vehicle Infrastructure Integration testbed Some photos from the California testbed near the research centers in Palo Alto. The 5.9 GHz DSRC antenna is mounted on a lamppost on a corner of the intersection of El Camino and Page Mill in Palo Alto. The antenna connects to a Denso WAVE radio in a nearby roadside cabinet. A GPS antenna and a GPRS antenna are mounted on top for the location and backhaul. This research is intended to help reduce intersection crashes. At present the applications are simple feasibility tests. 8/26/2006

Free Citywide GoogleWiFi debuts in Mountain View The photos show us driving at 35 MPH connected to GoogleWiFi, then the antenna on a lamppost with Tropos repeater and backhaul antenna pointed in the direction of the Googleplex, and finally streaming video while at 60 MPH on the highway. Works great. For security we run GSA VPN with 128 bit encryption over the wireless link from behind the firewall to vpn.google.com. Testing the speed into the car with the Speakeasy test: Download Speed: 978 kbps (122.3 KB/sec transfer rate) Upload Speed: 944 kbps (118 KB/sec transfer rate) Info taken from the repeater: WAN Connection Info: Signal level: -71 dBm Bit rate: 5 Missed beacon: 0 ESSID: GoogleWiFi Mode: 802.11g Frequency: 2.442 GHz Channel: 7 Signal strength: good to excellent Google WiFi Mountain View 8/22/2006

Continental announces their telematics plans Continental put out a press release announcing their plans for the Motorola Telematics business they purchased in April. They say "Continental is on the cutting edge of telematics technology -- telematics technology adds to consumers' enjoyment of life by keeping drivers connected to the outside world, offering a wireless lifeline that increases convenience, mobility and safety." Continental press release: "Telematics Positions Continental as a Leader in Comprehensive Vehicle Safety" On conti-online: "The new Business Unit Telematics" July 31, 2006 Bosch to acquire Telex Communications "With the acquisition of Telex, Bosch Security Systems can significantly expand its communications systems product offerings and penetrate the professional audio equipment market. The strength of the Telex distribution network will enhance our worldwide market position as a provider of comprehensive security and communication systems." Bosch press release: "Bosch to acquire Telex Communications Significant boost to Security Systems division" Telex Communications June 28, 2006 Mercedes-Benz drops TeleAid in Europe MB doesn't accept new orders for TeleAid in Germany. It was a rather unpopular option and was discontinued. TeleAid was offered in the CL-, S-Class and Maybach and optional on the E-Class for EU1740, bundled with a WAP phone and Bluetooth handset. The service will be switched off on December 27, 2005. July 2005

DSRC car to car communication

June 7, 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ USA LAUNCHES DIGITAL TELE AID "New Feature-Rich Packages Offered for 2005" MBUSA press release November 19, 2004 Analog TeleAid service to be discontinued by 2008 in North America AT&T currently provides analog cellphone service for the TeleAid system. MY 2006 MLs have digital TeleAid, some other models starting with MY2004, most with MY2005. Digital TeleAid is dual mode, analog and digital using Verizon. Since AT&T might sunset analog cell service by 2008, analog only TeleAid systems will have to be updated before 2008. MB might offer retrofit kits, but so far there is no demand for it. Analog service has more range in nonurban areas, although voice quality may not be as high. Mercedes came up with several different analog versions: TeleAid I hardwired in the 2000 SClass, TeleAid II using D2B fiber in model year 2001 M-Class until the fiber connection was dropped in 2004, and the CP communications platform on the MOST ring starting with the model year 2003 EClass. All these analog systems will become obsolete. TeleAid complicates the on-board electrics quite a bit. August 3, 2004 MBUSA's Tele Aid website MBUSA Tech Training: Introduction to Tele Aid download pdf file here, 874 kbytes, 20 pages download pdf file here, 3.51 Mbytes, 56 pages July 23, 2004 Court limits in-car FBI spying Kevin Poulsen, SecurityFocus "An appeals court this week put the brakes on an FBI surveillance technique that turns an automobile driver's on-board vehicle navigation system into a covert eavesdropping device, after finding that the spying effectively disables the system's emergency and roadside assistance features." securityfocus article November 23, 2003 Telematics information service providers (ISP) Mercedes, Maybach, BMW and Rolls-Royce use ATX in North America. GM, Toyota and Honda use Onstar in North America. Vodafone Passo/ATX provides BMW-ASSIST in Italy, France, Germany, United Kingdom and Austria. Mercedes, Audi used Debitel and T-Systems Traffic/Tegaron in Germany. Ford RESCU used Protection One/ATX.

How to install GPS NAV in older Benzes Back due to popular demand. I installed a Blaupunkt Travelpilot NAV radio in an 1981 Euro 500SEL and run some tests with it: Retrofitting a TravelPilot navigation system is as easy as installing a car stereo. In car nav system discovers new routes and works reliably even without GPS. In driving and testing the TravelPilot convinces with its engineering. The TravelPilot is software compatible with the CL- and S-Class COMAND and Audi A8. detailed installation instructions May 2003

Does TeleAid reduce fatalities? Proponents claim its safety benefits are similar to improved door locks or side door beams. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports in their status report published on October 26, 2002, that Automatic crash notification wouldn't make a difference in most cases. Also note the new location based E 911 service is being phased in which displays the caller's location to the 911 operator.

M-Class D2B fiber ring in 2002 and in 2005 Mercedes M-Class D2B fiber optic ring (2000 to 2005) Starting in 1999 with model year 2000 the D2B optical fiber ring was introduced to the M-Class and MB phones connect to the MCS radio using the fiber starting with model year 2000. Tele Aid and the fiber CD-changer were added with model year 2001, and Linguatronic voice recognition and the Bose premium sound system amplifier were added to the ring starting with model year 2002. When the data info services were discontinued TeleAid was dropped from the ring in model year 2004 starting with VIN 486200 and the Sirius satellite receiver added instead.

Tele Aid became standard on all M-Classes with the 2001 model year. The year before, in 2000, it became standard on all S-Class, C-Class, CLK, E-Class, CL Coupe and SL Roadsters sold in the United States. In early 2003 the TeleAid Traffic service was introduced to the M-Class with on-demand real time traffic reports downloadable to the MCS screen. A "services" button was added on the front of the MCS radio. Its usefulness was limited since the traffic data didn't affect the NAV route calculation. Folks without the SVC button can simply call 511 in the bay area to receive current traffic reports. On the main menu say "traffic condition" "101 southbound" and it then tells if anything's on file. TeleAid data service with traffic, weather and stock quotes was not popular and was discontinued - no surprise considering the cost and limited usability. Atheros Chipsets Used in Mercedes-Benz Future-Technology Demonstration Innovative Wireless Capability Heralds New Era in Automotive IT Atheros press release November 13, 2001 DaimlerChrysler Selects AT&T Wireless as Part of Comprehensive North American Telematics Strategy DaimlerChrysler press release August 8, 2001 Mercedes-Benz First With Web-Based in-Car Info Services Tele Aid Standard on Every 2001 Model; Info Services Optional MBUSA press release September 14, 2000

A bit of history: DynAPS real time dynamic traffic routing Blaupunkt pioneered the TMC traffic message channel in the early 1990s in Nordrhein Westfalen and in 1997 Mercedes-Benz offered optional dynamic routing DynAPS (Dynamic Auto Pilot System) for the APS4 shown at left. Dynamic routing became standard on the new S-Class COMAND APS 2.5 starting in October 1999 shown in the inset at right. Continue to: "Blaupunkt: TMC-Traffic Message Channel"

2005 M-Class North America OEM: (Tele Aid standard) Tele Aid 2, 3W analog cell | | GPS cell ______/_____ | +----black---combo GPS/cell Modular COMAND System--FAKRA:blue--splitter-------blue----roof antenna DVD navigation split GPS, cell, phone keypad +-----FAKRA:bordeaux------TeleAid coax | | PTT D2B +-------2W linear compensator | | | | | voice recognition ctrl phone cradle in center armrest +----controls radio, CD, | MB V60 tape, phone, switch | | to navigation | | | | | | | D2B | | | | | | mic-------PSE phone controller--+

2002 to 2004 M-Class North America OEM: (Tele Aid standard)

+---------D2B ring-----------Tele Aid 2, 3W analog cell | | | | GPS cell ______/_____ | | +---black----combo GPS/cell Modular COMAND System--FAKRA:blue--splitter------blue-----roof antenna CD navigation MY2002 split GPS, cell, DVD navigation MY2003+ +-------FAKRA:bordeaux----TeleAid coax phone keypad | | | PTT D2B +-------2W linear compensator | | | | | voice recognition ctrl phone cradle in center armrest +----controls radio, CD, | MB V60 tape, phone, switch | | to navigation | | | | | | | D2B | | | | | | mic-------PSE phone controller--+

2001 M-Class North America OEM: (Tele Aid standard)

+---------D2B ring-----------Tele Aid 2, 3W analog cell | | | | GPS cell | | | _______/______ Modular COMAND System----------GPS splitter------splitter-----combo GPS/cell CD navigation | GPS amp roof antenna phone keypad | | | +--antenna switch--+ | | | +-------2W linear compensator | | | D2B ctrl coax ring | | | | phone cradle in armrest | | MB Timeport CDMA or TDMA | | | mic--------PSE phone controller--+

2000 M-Class North America OEM: (last year before Tele Aid) _______/______ Modular COMAND System----GPS---splitter---------------combo GPS/cell CD navigation GPS amp roof antenna phone keypad | | cell | | | +-------2W linear compensator | | | D2B ctrl coax ring | | | | phone cradle in armrest | | MB Startac or Timeport | | | mic--------PSE phone controller--+

phones voice control - Linguatronic radios + navigation accidents + crashes "fone home" - ET

Wolfgang's ML Page

Telematics Positions Continental as a Leader in Comprehensive Vehicle Safety

Continental is on the cutting edge of telematics technology -- telematics technology adds to consumers' enjoyment of life by keeping drivers connected to the outside world, offering a wireless lifeline that increases convenience, mobility and safety. (PRNewsFoto/Continental Automotive Systems) FRANKFURT AM MAIN GERMANY 07/30/2006

- Continental Automotive Systems establishes a new Telematics Business Unit - Telematics vision and roadmap to grow the business globally and help integrate it into its active-passive safety strategy - Convenience features open up new horizons for modern car driving FRANKFURT am Main, Germany, July 31 /PRNewswire/ -- With the acquisition of Motorola's Automotive Electronics Business being closed, the Automotive Systems Division of the worldwide leading automotive supplier Continental AG has unveiled the future vision and roadmap for its newly established Telematics business unit to profitably grow the business on a global scale. The business unit, located in Deer Park, Ill., U.S.A. will be lead by Kieran O'Sullivan, who has been appointed senior vice president, Telematics and member of the Continental Automotive Systems Management Board. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060731/NYM035 ) Continental Automotive Systems successfully worked with its customers to integrate active and passive safety technologies like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), driver assistance systems including Adaptive Cruise Control and airbags to global vehicle platforms to help prevent accidents and protect vehicle occupants should a crash occur. With the new telematics business Continental will enhance the active safety performance of vehicles through higher levels of collision avoidance capabilities, and also help increase the post crash safety and emergency assistance services available to vehicle occupants. "Telematics will play an important role in our efforts to integrate embedded, 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 and member of the Executive Board, Continental AG. "With comprehensive vehicle safety and traffic management becoming more and more critical aspects of global mobility, Continental added a key future element to its product offering. We see great potential by integrating Telematics into embedded car-to-car digital communication and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication." "Continental's Telematics systems help to make cars safer and provide a "wireless life-line" to emergency assistance the critical seconds after a crash occurs. The systems also provide vehicle occupants with handsfree calling and other convenience, such as navigation and concierge services. With Continental Automotive Systems' expertise in integrated car safety and electronics, we will be able to elevate automotive telematics to a totally new dimension by developing future vehicle safety systems. We will focus on the evolution of safer driving in an ever more mobile world," said Kieran O'Sullivan, senior vice president Telematics and member of the Continental Automotive Systems Management Board. "I am excited by the opportunity and will work together with the teams in North America, Europe and Asia to grow the telematics market globally. We will work hand-in-hand with the automotive industry to help improve vehicle safety and speed the time-to-market of new in-vehicle experiences." Through the acquisition of Motorola's Automotive Electronics business, Continental Automotive Systems is the industry leader in the design, development and global manufacturing 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. Continental Automotive Systems' telematics strategy consists of four pillars: 1. Research and development activities will focus on how to link telematics connectivity systems with other in-vehicle safety systems like airbags, electronic brake and safety systems, sensors, radar/lidar and cameras. The division's advanced technologists also will continue

to explore how car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communication systems could one day help further reduce traffic crashes, road congestion and save lives. 2. Telematics also stands for dedicating resources to embedding wireless technologies into cars so vehicle occupants can, in a more convenient manner, operate and "control" their portable devices using voice recognition technology. Experts will continue tracking consumer lifestyle and wireless technology trends so it can help automotive customers manage the lifecycle of wireless technology and consumer electronics inside the vehicle. 3. Continental Automotive Systems will continue working with its existing, and potential future customers to develop next generation telematics systems that could incorporate third generation cellular (3G), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Digital Video Broadcast (DVB-H), Mesh Networks and Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) technologies. These technologies open the door to a range of new telematics "experiences," such as wirelessly downloading digital music so it can be broadcast through the audio system inside the vehicle or movies to rearseat entertainment systems. 4. Continental Automotive Systems will continue working with members of the telematics value chain including cellular operators, telematics service providers, strategic technology partners, governments and other constituencies to explore how it could expand the telematics market in North America and make e-call systems and services a reality in Europe and Asia. In North America, Continental's telematics systems help immediately route emergency assistance to the scene of accidents. Continental is committed to continuing to explore how similar infrastructure could be deployed in Europe and Asia, so its telematics systems can help save lives in other regions of the world. 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. SOURCE Continental Automotive Systems

Related links: http://www.contiautomotive.com http://www.conti-online.com http://www.contitevesna.com Photo Notes: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060731/NYM035 AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/437525.html / Issuers of news releases and not PR Newswire are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content. Terms and conditions, including restrictions on redistribution, apply. Copyright 1996-2006 PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights Reserved. A United Business Media company.

The new Business Unit Telematics

The acquisition of Motorola's automotive electronics business has added an exciting new technology to our product portfolio. Telematics is an innovative technology with an extremely bright future. Telematics products provide connectivity services to vehicle occupants, vehicle manufacturers and enterprise customers. Available features include hands-free telephone, safety, remote vehicle control, navigation, traffic, information sharing and entertainment services.

Continental Automotive Systems successfully worked with its customers to integrate active and passive safety technologies like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), driver assistance systems including Adaptive Cruise Control and airbags to global vehicle platforms to help prevent accidents and protect vehicle occupants should a crash occur. With the Telematics business we will enhance the active safety performance of vehicles through higher levels of collision avoidance capabilities, and also help increase the post crash safety and emergency assistance services available to vehicle occupants. Our telematics systems help to make cars safer and provide a wireless life-line to emergency assistance the critical seconds after a crash occurs. The systems also provide vehicle occupants with hands-free calling and other convenience, such as navigation and concierge services. With our expertise in integrated car safety and electronics, we will be able to elevate automotive telematics to a totally new dimension by developing future vehicle safety systems. We are the industry leader in the design, development and global manufacturing of embedded telematics and hands-free communication systems using Bluetooth wireless technology. Our telematics and hands-free systems are included in more than 12 million cars on the road today. Both the embedded telematics and hands-free communication systems are integrated solutions as part of the car architecture. The units work with a display in the vehicle to provide a seamless communications experience that keep the passengers in the car connected to their office, home, friends and family through innovative Bluetooth technology. Safety Research and development activities will focus on how to link telematics connectivity systems with other in-vehicle safety systems like airbags, electronic brake and safety systems, sensors, radar/lidar and cameras. We also will continue to explore how car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communication systems could one day help further reduce traffic crashes road congestion and save lives. Connectivity Telematics also stands for dedicating resources to embedding wireless technologies into cars so vehicle occupants can, in a more convenient manner, operate and control their portable devices using voice recognition technology. We will continue working with its existing and potential future customers to develop next generation telematics systems that could incorporate third generation cellular (3G), -Fi, Digital Video Broadcast (DVB-H), Mesh Networks and Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) technologies.

Layout of a telematics module: 1 Main processor 2 GPS 3 Integrated telephone Connections: 4 GPS antenna 5 Main antenna 6 Emergency antenna 7 Bluetooth antenna

Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG 2006, Legal top Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH 2005

Profile Facts & Figures Products Management History Locations Locations in Germany Locations in Europe Locations in the Americas Locations in Asia Continental Teves Continental Temic Overview Products Electronic Brake and Safety Systems Hydraulic Brake Systems Telematic Powertrain & Chassis Body and Security Electronics Electric Drives Aftermarket Overview Electric Drives Electric Motors Fan Modules

Electronic Steering Systems Hybrid Systems Overview Body and Security Electronics Seat Control Unit with Memory Function Door Control Units with Anti-trap Function Electronic Access and Driver Authorization Systems Central Body Control Units Central Gateways Overview Powertrain & Chassis Electronic Air Suspension System Chassis Control Systems Engine Management Transmission Controls Measurement Systems Overview Hydraulic Brake Systems Brake Assist Systems Optimized Hydraulic Brake Plunger II Integrated Brake Light Switch FN Disc Brakes High-performance Brake Discs Parking Brakes Introduction Electronic Brake Systems Electronic Parking Brake Systems Tire Pressure Monitoring New Ways in Braking Technologies Sensor Systems and Electronics Driver Assistance Systems Occupant Safety Systems Recent Press Releases Press Archive About Continental Automotive Systems Contact Person Continental Image Database Continental Press Service Introduction Continental Temic Continental Teves ESH-Policy Environmental & Safety Organization Milestones in Environmental Protection Certification Status Automotive Systems Division Product and Environment Hazardous Waste Sites Management Occupational Safety Contacts QESP Program Clean-up Clean-Up Techniques 1984 until 1999 2000 until 2004 Environmental & Safety Awards

Business/Economy Acquisition of a leading U.S. supplier of communication systems Bosch to acquire Telex Communications Significant boost to Security Systems division Telex: US-$ 308 million sales, 2 000 associates in nine countries Bosch strengthens position in American market STUTTGART/MINNEAPOLIS The Bosch Group announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Telex Communications Holding, Inc. through the merger of a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH into Telex. The merger agreement provides for an aggregate purchase price of US-$ 420 million, includes the assumption of Telex indebtedness, subject to certain post-closing adjustments, and also provides for the satisfaction and discharge of the publicly held indebtedness of Telex and its affiliates. The merger agreement has been approved by the Board of Directors of Telex and the Board of Management of Bosch, and has also been approved by the requisite percentage of Telex's voting stockholders. Telex Communications is a leading manufacturer and supplier of professional audio, wireless, life safety and communication equipment. The systems are installed in a wide range of applications, such as large stadiums and airport projects, where customers are increasingly asking for turnkey solutions combined with security systems. In fiscal 2005, Telex Communications generated sales of US-$ 308 million with nearly 2 000 associates at 14 locations in nine countries. The company is home to such well known brands as ElectroVoice, Dynacord, Midas, Klark Teknik, Telex, and RTS. The transaction is subject to receipt of certain regulatory approvals. In organizational terms, Telex Communications will be assigned to and come under the leadership of the Security Systems division. "With the acquisition of Telex, Bosch Security Systems can significantly expand its communications systems product offerings and penetrate the professional audio equipment market. The strength of the Telex distribution network will enhance our worldwide market position as a provider of comprehensive security and communication systems. At the same time, we obtain a leading position in the American market," says Bosch Board of Management member Peter J. Marks, who bears regional responsibility for the Americas and for the Security Systems division. In 2005, Bosch Security Systems generated sales of roughly one billion euros from its intrusion and fire alarm systems, video surveillance, access control, and communication systems business. With some 7,800 associates, the division is represented at more than 40 locations in Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific. "Telex Communications is a company with a heritage. It stands for high quality and customer orientation. The acquisition of Telex Communications by a forward-looking company such as Bosch will give our associates an opportunity to develop further in a growth-driven environment," says Ray Malpocher, CEO of Telex Communications. The Bosch Group is a leading global manufacturer of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology. In fiscal 2005, some 251,000 associates generated sales of 41.5 billion euros. Set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering," the Bosch Group today comprises a manufacturing, sales, and after-sales service network of more than 280 subsidiaries and more than 12,000 Bosch service centers in over 140 countries. The special ownership structure of the Bosch Group guarantees its financial independence and entrepreneurial freedom. It makes it possible for the company to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future, as well as to do justice to its social responsibility in a manner reflective of the spirit and will of its founder. A total of 92 % of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by the charitable foundation Robert Bosch Stiftung. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG. Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com. PI5490 - June 28, 2006