DaimlerChrysler Gives Gold Pentastar to Siemens' Power Semiconductor Grp

16 March 1999

Daimler/Chrysler Awards Siemens' Power Semiconductor Group Gold Pentastar; Siemens Smart Power Devices Recognized for Superior Quality, Technology, Delivery, and Price-Performance

    SAN JOSE, Calif.--March 16, 1999--The Power Semiconductors division of Siemens Microelectronics, Inc., has received a Gold Pentastar Award from DaimlerChrysler for Model Year 1998 for outstanding service, quality, and technology in smart power components. This is the second Gold Pentastar awarded to Siemens Power Semiconductors in the past two years.
    The DaimlerChrysler Gold Pentastar was awarded to Siemens for delivery of its smart power technology, specifically the company's PROFET(R) and HITFET(R) smart power switch devices used for operating and protecting various body control applications such as lighting, motor, and windshield wiper controls. Siemens provides power devices for Chrysler's line of minivans (NS platform) and full-size cars (LH platform).
    DaimlerChrylser recognized Siemens with the Gold Pentastar for excellence in technology, service, and price-performance. It also recognizes Siemens' manufacturing operations for overall quality, delivery, and warranty support. The award of a Gold Pentastar places Siemens among DaimlerChrysler's highest-ranking supply locations.
    This award follows closely on the heels of Siemens being named a preferred strategic power semiconductor supplier for DaimlerChrysler. For DaimlerChrysler's Model Year 1998, Siemens reported a quality-assurance level of zero PPM (parts per million) failures, and no warranty returns.
    "Siemens has always been totally committed to the success of its customers, and receiving the Gold Pentastar award is an acknowledgment of our success in meeting our customers' needs," said Tom Tobin, director of product marketing for Siemens Power Semiconductors. "By developing a mutual trust and respect with our vendors and participating in vendor performance programs, we can assure our customers that Siemens has the best support as well as the best technology in the marketplace."
    "This award also demonstrates our commitment as a strategic supplier for automotive applications," added John Garozzo, Siemens Key Account Manager for DaimlerChrysler. "Recognition like the Gold Pentastar award helps us forge a stronger partnership with our customers, allowing us to work even more closely to define new technology for the future."

    About Siemens

    Siemens' Semiconductor Group, based in Munich, Germany, is the 10th largest semiconductor manufacturer worldwide and is a leading provider of integrated circuits, memory products, RF components, chip card ICs, discrete and power semiconductors, sensors and fiber optic components. The comprehensive product line of Siemens Semiconductors serves a wide range of customers active in telecommunications, automotive and consumer electronics, data processing and automation. Siemens Microelectronics is its U.S. affiliate. In fiscal 1997/98, the Semiconductor Group achieved sales of $3.8 billion (DM 6.7 billion) and employed 25,000 people worldwide. The group plans to go public.
    For more information, contact Siemens Microelectronics, Inc., 1730 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95112; (800) 77-SIEMENS; 408-501-6000; or see http://www.smi.siemens.com.