Microvision and Electronics Research Lab of Volkswagen of America to Develop Advanced Automotive Prototype Display
BOTHELL, Wash.--July 9, 2003--Microvision, Inc. , a leader in light scanning technologies, today announced that it is working with the Electronics Research Lab (ERL) of Volkswagen of America, Inc. to develop an advanced automotive display prototype.
Details of the development project remain confidential, but it is expected to result in a prototype display with unique and superior performance that will be installed in an experimental automobile later this year.
Arne Stoschek, Head of the Emerging Technologies Group at ERL, said, "One of the primary goals of the Electronics Research Lab of Volkswagen of America is to seek out and understand how new technology could be leveraged for future automotive applications. Microvision's display technology has many compelling attributes to make it uniquely suitable for automotive applications."
"We are delighted to be working with the Electronics Research Lab of Volkswagen of America," said CEO Rick Rutkowski. "This new project fits very neatly with our automotive strategy of demonstrating the innovative potential of our scanned beam technology to build small, modular display devices that offer a unique combination of high brightness with low heat and power efficiency. Automakers and automotive suppliers are showing increasing interest in this platform capability because we can enable many interior display solutions with reduced production tooling requirements. Applications include dash and center console instrument and information displays to head-up displays and displays for rear seat entertainment."
About Microvision: www.microvision.com
Headquartered in Bothell, Wash., Microvision, Inc. is a world leader in the development of high resolution displays and imaging systems based on the company's proprietary silicon micromirror technology. The company's technology has applications in a broad range of military, medical, industrial, professional and consumer products.
Microvision has been working with Canon, BMW, the Electronics Research Lab of Volkswagen of America, Johnson & Johnson's Ethicon Endo Surgery subsidiary and others to develop a number of display and image capture product applications based on its proprietary scanned beam technology. The company also recently concluded a field trial with America Honda Motor Company for automotive maintenance and repair applications for its Nomad Augmented Display that achieved a 39% increase in mechanic productivity. Microvision also has a signed agreement with NCR to market its Flic laser bar code scanner under a private label.
About the Electronics Research Lab of Volkswagen of America
The Electronics Research Lab is a research and development facility of Volkswagen of America, Inc., located in Palo Alto, California. Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen of America and its affiliates employ approximately 3,000 people in the United States and are responsible for the sale and service of Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Volkswagen products through retail networks comprising approximately 800 independent U.S. dealers.
Forward Looking Statement