New `Jaguar Assist' Powered by Motorola's Telematics Technologies

19 April 1999

New `Jaguar Assist' Powered by Motorola's Telematics Technologies

    WASHINGTON--April 19, 1999--Motorola announces it has teamed with Jaguar to introduce the Jaguar Assist, a telematics system which will be included in the deluxe communications package, an option on all model year 2000 Jaguar S-TYPE sedans in North America. This new system merges wireless communication and global positioning system technologies to offer drivers 24-hour emergency response and roadside assistance. The S-TYPE sedans will be available in May 1999. The announcement was made today at the Intelligent Transportation Society of America's Ninth Annual Meeting and Exposition.
    The Jaguar Assist incorporates Motorola's Telematics Communication Unit (TCU(TM)), which combines Motorola's GPS receiver and wireless communications technology, including cellular voice and data transmission. The Motorola TCU is one of the most widely used communications platforms deployed in the telematics industry today. Developed by Motorola engineers with extensive automotive electronics experience, the TCU is well suited for the harsh automotive environment.
    "Jaguar recognizes that drivers place high importance on safety and security," said Marios Zenios, corporate vice president and general manager, Motorola's Telematics Communications Group. "We are very pleased they have turned to Motorola for our telematics expertise."
    In an emergency or roadside assistance situation, the driver pushes the ASSIST button, located on the vehicle's in-dash display panel, to immediately establish voice contact with the messaging center -- a provider contracted by Jaguar. The messaging center then alerts emergency services or arranges for roadside assistance(1). At the same time, the location of the vehicle is identified through GPS satellite tracking and the system also transmits crucial information about the customer and vehicle, including the model and color of the car, to help emergency services locate the vehicle quickly. In addition, without driver action, Jaguar Assist can automatically contact the dedicated Jaguar messaging center in the event of air bag deployment.
    "Motorola's Telematics Communications Group continues leveraging Motorola's unique strengths to capitalize on the emerging automotive communications market," said Joe Guglielmi, executive vice president and president, Motorola's Integrated Electronic Systems Sector. "Jaguar is another excellent example of how we were able to focus on meeting our customers' need for industry leading telematics products."
    Motorola is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 1998 were $29.4 billion.

    For further press information, please contact:

    Jeff Weingard, Citigate, Tel +1 312 372 6045, weingard@mcs.net or Allyson Stinchfield, Citigate, Tel +1 312 372 6144, afield@mcs.net

(1) Subject to availability of cellular service and GPS signal.