GenRad Instrumental in Development of WDS For Ford
11 February 1999
GenRad Instrumental in Development of WDS For Ford
WESTFORD, Mass.--Feb. 11, 1999--GenRad, Inc. announced that Ford Motor Company unveiled the Worldwide Diagnostic System (WDS) to Ford dealers on Saturday, February 6, 1999 during the National Automobile Dealer Association convention in San Francisco. GenRad was named in July 1997 as the full-service supplier for WDS. Under that contract, GenRad is supplying Ford with software development tools, diagnostic applications engineering and tester hardware systems. WDS replaces several diagnostic tools currently being used by Ford dealers.
In a press release issued by Ford in conjunction with their unveiling of WDS, Ford highlighted that the WDS is its response to the need for a single diagnostic system that can keep pace with rapidly advancing vehicle technology worldwide. WDS supports all Ford Motor Company brands -- Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Lincoln, Mazda and Mercury.
Ford also stated that the WDS will work with Ford vehicles introduced from 1996 through 1999, plus those that will be introduced from model-year 2000 forward. It has been designed to support a number of languages, offering more than 20 at introduction. The tool will be available to North American dealers beginning in August.
"The multi-language capability and comprehensive diagnostic offering within GenRad's diagnostic software and hardware allows Ford to provide its worldwide dealer network with a single tool that has the capability to support the increasingly complex electronics in all Ford brands," said Paul Geere, President of GenRad's Advanced Diagnostic Solutions (ADS) business unit.
For complete details, see http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/990206/mi_ca_ford_1.html or http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/990206/mi_ford_se_1.html.
GenRad Background
GenRad, Inc. provides electronics OEMs and their customers with the hardware, software and services to increase productivity by optimizing product design, manufacturing and after-market service. GenRad, headquartered in Westford, MA, offers products and services through three business units: Advanced Diagnostic Solutions (ADS), Electronic Manufacturing Systems (EMS), and GR Software (GRS). GenRad's web site address is http://www.genrad.com.
GenRad's most current shareholder information is available by visiting our Website at http://www.genrad.com or calling our Fax on Demand Service at (800) 469-1261.
Statements made in this press release which are not historical, including statements regarding future performance, product capabilities and markets are forward looking statements and as such are subject to a number of risks. Factors that may cause results to differ materially from those projected are discussed in GenRad's 1997 Annual Report on From 10K for the fiscal year ending January 3, 1998 and form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 3, 1998 under the section "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations - Factors That May Affect Future Results."