Delphi To Develop Marine Telematic Units For Seacom Technologies, LLC.
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4, 2006 -- Delphi Corp. announced today it has signed a commercial agreement with Seacom Technologies, LLC. to develop a marine emergency communications telematics product. Seacom Technologies plans to launch the product in 2006.
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Delphi made the announcement here today at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (Las Vegas Convention Center, Exhibit 5206).
The device, intended to enhance safety and security for boaters, plans to use the ORBCOMM low-earth orbit satellite network to provide two-way communications between boat owners and Seacom's rescue coordination center. It will enable the transmission of detailed messages, including information on GPS position and other critical parameters, between watercraft and the dedicated maritime rescue coordination center. This data is intended to help rescue agencies locate a vessel and respond appropriately during an emergency.
"A growing number of industries are finding new applications for Delphi's satellite modems," said Beth Schwarting, general director of sales and marketing for Delphi Electronics & Safety. "These products offer a cost- effective approach to two-way communications. Delphi is excited by the opportunity to provide telematics systems to the marine market."
Using the ORBCOMM satellite network for two-way satellite data communications, Seacom plans to offer several products to boat owners and manufacturers based on the Delphi-manufactured satellite modem. The first product is planned to be available through retailers to 11 million registered U.S. boat owners. Seacom also plans to market the product on a global basis, and wants to offer boat manufacturers a factory-installed option packed with additional features.
"The service will be initially marketed to recreational boat owners and insurers as a safety device for all watercraft," said Commander Ed Seebald, U.S. Coast Guard (ret.), co-founder and president of Seacom Technologies. "It will also be marketed as a communications device that can be used to call ahead for fuel, mechanical services and marina reservations, or just to keep family and friends informed of the location and status of boaters."
Commander Seebald said that the Seacom rescue coordination center will be manned by personnel that have been through the United States Coast Guard search and rescue training or have received training by Seacom professionals in Coast Guard search and rescue response. Watercraft owners could choose from different safety and security plans to protect their boats.
Delphi previously announced that it would manufacture two satellite transceivers for Stellar Satellite Communications for use on the ORBCOMM satellite network last year. High-volume production on both models began in 2005.
About Delphi Corp. For more information about Delphi visit http://www.delphi.com/ . About Seacom
Seacom was conceived by former senior Coast Guard personnel and experienced satellite telecommunication executives to develop a low cost marine emergency and communication platform directed primarily to small and medium sized pleasure boats around the world. Specifically, Seacom was organized to engage in the business of providing greater safety for the large number of persons engaged in private recreation boating through the sale of unique tracking services and marine telecommunication equipment which it will provide at a nominal cost and to promote safety in boating, while at the same time, engaging in an economic enterprise. Seacom is committed to the development of the tools and system, in the parlance of the Coast Guard, to "take the search out of Search and Rescue," to provide products and services, including software and hardware which can be used by recreational boaters to obtain the aid and assistance whenever a boating emergency, or other distress shall occur. In the performance of the service, Seacom will employ specialists trained in the areas of boating safety, search and rescue including retired Coast Guard personnel or others who will be trained by Coast Guard personnel.
About ORBCOMM
ORBCOMM is a wireless telecommunications company that provides reliable, cost-effective data communications services to customers around the world through its unique low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite network and global ground infrastructure. A diverse customer base, including industry leaders General Electric, Caterpillar Inc., Volvo Trucks, XATA, and Itron, uses ORBCOMM services to track, monitor and control mobile and fixed assets including trucks, containers, marine vessels, locomotives, heavy machinery, pipelines, oil wells, utility meters and storage tanks anywhere in the world. For more information call 1-800-ORBCOMM or visit its Web site at http://www.orbcomm.com/ .
This press release as well as other statements made by Delphi may contain forward-looking statements within the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect, when made, the Company's current views with respect to current events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are and will be, as the case may be, subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating to the Company's operations and business environment which may cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from any future results, express or implied, by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern; the ability of the Company to operate pursuant to the terms of the DIP facility; the Company's ability to obtain court approval with respect to motions in the chapter 11 proceeding prosecuted by it from time to time; the ability of the Company to develop, prosecute, confirm and consummate one or more plans of reorganization with respect to the chapter 11 cases; risks associated with third parties seeking and obtaining court approval to terminate or shorten the exclusivity period for the Company to propose and confirm one or more plans of reorganization, for the appointment of a chapter 11 trustee or to convert the cases to chapter 7 cases; the ability of the Company to obtain and maintain normal terms with vendors and service providers; the Company's ability to maintain contracts that are critical to its operations; the potential adverse impact of the chapter 11 cases on the Company's liquidity or results of operations; the ability of the Company to fund and execute its business plan; the ability of the Company to attract, motivate and/or retain key executives and associates; and the ability of the Company to attract and retain customers. Other risk factors are listed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including, but not limited to the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and its most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Delphi disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Similarly, these and other factors, including the terms of any reorganization plan ultimately confirmed, can affect the value of the Company's various pre-petition liabilities, common stock and/or other equity securities. No assurance can be given as to what values, if any, will be ascribed in the bankruptcy proceedings to each of these constituencies. Accordingly, the Company urges that the appropriate caution be exercised with respect to existing and future investments in any of these liabilities and/or securities.
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