Wavecom Receives Order for 150,000 WISMO Modules From Magneti Marelli; WISMO Technology Powers Alfa Romeo On-board Data System

    ISSY-LES-MOULINEAUX, France--May 21, 2001-- Wavecom , a leading developer of digital wireless standard modules (WISMO(TM)), today announced that Magneti Marelli, an international leader in the design and production of hi-tech components, systems and modules for the automotive industry, has placed an order for 150,000 WISMO(TM) modules for use in its advanced on-board voice and data transmission system, CONNECT.
    The innovative features of the CONNECT system represent the fruit of a development contract signed in 1999 between Wavecom and Magneti Marelli. CONNECT gives drivers access to an unprecedented combination of communications, navigation, security and maintenance services.
    CONNECT is already available on the Alfa Romeo 147. Thanks to the GSM voice and data communications capacity of the WISMO2C module integrated within the system, Alfa 147 drivers can receive a host of road and travel information via a computer screen as well as hands-free GSM voice telephony. The basic version of CONNECT offers an RDS auto radio with CD player, trip computer, a dual-band, hands-free GSM phone, a GPS module and an SOS button which connects to a contact center which provides assistance and information. The most advanced version of the system includes, in addition to these features, an active matrix 5" color display, map navigation system, atlas function and phone voice commands.
    "Systems such as CONNECT signal the start of a new phase in automotive electronics. The GSM technology integrated within the WISMO module provides the enabling technology for this important development," said Fabio Romeo, Vice President of Magneti Marelli.
    "We are convinced that the automotive industry can benefit from almost unlimited innovation through WISMO technology, which is why the automobile industry is one of our targeted market sectors," said Aram Hekimian, chief executive officer of Wavecom. "The WISMO offers a particularly attractive solution in terms of reliability and ease of use."
    The agreement with Magneti Marelli involves second-generation dual-band GSM WISMO2C modules, the latest addition to the WISMO product family. WISMO, which stands for Wireless Standard Module, is a compact, fully integrated device containing all of the software, hardware and other technology needed to implement a wireless telecommunications standard.
    Based in Milan, Italy, Magneti Marelli is a leading automobile supplier. The company designs and produces a full range of original automotive systems, modules and components, including electronic engine control systems, instrument clusters, lighting and suspensions. The company serves the world's largest car manufacturers, including BMW, Fiat, GM, VW group, Daimler Chrysler, Ford, Jaguar, Peugeot and Renault. In 2000, Magneti Marelli sales were up to US $4.5 billion. The company employs about 26,000 people, and has 59 plants in 23 countries around the world.
    www.magnetimarelli.com
    Founded in 1993 and headquartered near Paris in Issy-Les-Moulineaux, Wavecom designs, develops, manufactures and sells a range of fully integrated plug-in modules for GSM and GPRS communications. Divided into three distinct lines - WISMO(TM) modules, external modems and integrated modems - all Wavecom products are based on its unique WISMO(TM) technology. WISMO(TM), which stands for Wireless Standard Module, is a compact, fully integrated device containing all of the software, hardware and other technology needed to implement a wireless telecommunications standard. Designed for use in a wide variety of systems and wireless terminals, WISMO(TM) modules constitute complete implementation of the GSM Phase 2+ standard in the 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz bands. Company revenues totalled Euro 65.6 million in 2000 and Euro 54.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2001. Wavecom is publicly traded on the Nouveau Marche exchange in Paris and the NASDAQ National Market exchange in the US.
    www.wavecom.com

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