Thales' Magellan Brand Poised for Growth as Keith James Joins Consumer Sales Team

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--May 4, 2006--Thales' navigation business, a leading global innovator of Magellan outdoor and vehicle navigation solutions, announced today that it has appointed Keith James as the new Western Director of Sales for Consumer Electronics in its consumer products business. James assumes responsibility for managing, growing and cultivating current and new retail and distribution channels in western North America and Canada for Magellan GPS outdoor and vehicle navigation products, which are growing revenue significantly faster than the industry average.

"James is a skilled industry professional who brings to our team more than 12 years of retail sales experience in the video gaming and consumer electronics industries," said Jim Flaherty, vice president of sales for Thales' consumer products business. "With an impressive record of driving revenue growth, and extensive background working with consumer electronics retailers, mass merchants, office supply chains and warehouse clubs, James will be an important addition to an already strong sales team."

James came to Thales from Hip Interactive, Inc. of Canada where he achieved 50% revenue growth in one year overseeing the Eastern and Central Region.

Prior to Hip Interactive, James doubled SEGA's market share for his region, effectively managing the launch of 20 new titles a year as Regional Sales Director.

James also held a sales and marketing management role for Net2Phone, Inc., and spent nine years in various sales management positions with Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. where he was responsible for more than 60% of the company's retail revenue.

James is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Marketing.

About Thales' navigation business

Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group serving defense, aerospace, security and services markets. The Group employs 60,000 people throughout the world and generated revenues of 10.3 billion Euros in 2004.

Thales' navigation business is a global innovator of navigation and positioning solutions. The company markets its Magellan brand GPS products in vehicle navigation and outdoor markets, and its professional GPS and GNSS solutions in the survey, GIS/Mapping, and OEM markets that include consumer electronics, automotive navigation and high-precision applications.

Also, through its joint venture with Hertz, Thales Navigation has developed the Hertz NeverLost(R) vehicle navigation system.

Thales' navigation business is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., with European headquarters in Carquefou, France. For more information, visit www.thalesgroup.com/navigation.