Volvo Selects ORBCOMM to Provide Satellite Communications For its 'On Call Plus' System
25 September 2000
Volvo Selects ORBCOMM to Provide Satellite Communications For its 'On Call Plus' System
Volvo Cars North America Offers Unique, Everywhere Service for its Safety
And Security System Via ORBCOMM
DULLES, Va., Sept 25 ORBCOMM Global, L.P. (ORBCOMM), the
first commercial provider of global low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite data
communication services, today announced that Volvo Cars of North America has
selected the ORBCOMM network to extend the communications coverage of its "On
Call Plus" auto safety and security system to virtually anywhere in the
continental United States. Volvo On Call Plus, developed in partnership with
ORBCOMM's value-added reseller, Cross Country Automotive Services (CCAC),
combines Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation, mobile telephone
technology and ubiquitous satellite communications coverage via the ORBCOMM
network with Volvo's revolutionary computer management system. Volvo On Call
Plus is the auto industry's first and only telematics product to use direct
satellite communications to provide a safety and security link for drivers
outside the range of cellular telephone coverage areas.
The Volvo On Call Plus system enables the transmission of GPS position
information and vital status messages, including collision notification, the
need for roadside assistance or a personal emergency, from nearly anywhere in
the continental United States -- via a unique combination of the ORBCOMM
satellite network and cellular technology -- directly to CCAC's central
monitoring center for assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Using this
critical information, CCAS can quickly dispatch roadside assistance or
emergency services, such as an ambulance, directly to the precise location of
the vehicle. The versatile system also offers theft alarm, stolen vehicle
tracking and remote door unlock capabilities.
"Leveraging the ubiquity of ORBCOMM's data communications network, we are
able to offer the auto industry an exciting telematics solution that is
revolutionizing the way drivers can summon for help in the event of an
emergency," said Klas-Eino Klaesson of Volvo Cars North America. "We are
committed to working with ORBCOMM to provide our customers with everywhere
service across the continental US and to meet the safety and security
requirements of Volvo On Call Plus."
"We are pleased to be working with Volvo to enhance the communications
capability of the Volvo On Call Plus system," said Scott L. Webster, Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of ORBCOMM. "Exploiting the ubiquitous coverage
of ORBCOMM's satellite network, Volvo can provide its customers with unmatched
geographic service availability in keeping with its strong commitment to
driver safety and enhancing its competitive advantage in the marketplace."
Volvo On Call Plus will debut as an option on the sporty 2001 Volvo S60
sedan and other selected models later this year.
About ORBCOMM
ORBCOMM provides two-way monitoring, tracking and messaging services
through the world's first commercial low-Earth orbit satellite-based data
communication system. ORBCOMM applications include tracking of mobile assets
such as trailers, containers, locomotives, rail cars, heavy equipment, fishing
vessels, barges and government assets; monitoring of fixed assets such as
electric utility meters, oil and gas storage tanks, wells and pipelines and
environmental projects; and messaging services for consumers and commercial
and government entities.
ORBCOMM is owned by Teleglobe Inc. and Orbital Sciences
Corporation . Teleglobe Inc. is a leading global provider of
broadband services with the most extensive global Internet network.
Delivering advanced broadband applications to customers in more than 100
countries, Teleglobe is the premier communications architecture for the
digital economy. Orbital is a space technology company that designs,
manufactures and markets a broad range of space products and satellite-based
services.
About Volvo Cars of North America
Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. is part of the Volvo Car Corporation of
Goteborg, Sweden. The company provides marketing, sales, parts, service,
technology and training support to 328 Volvo automobile retailers across the
country. The 2001 Volvo automobile line includes the flagship
S80 luxury sedan, versatile V70 wagon and rugged Cross Country, sporty C70
coupe and convertible, sophisticated S60 sedan and compact S40 and V40 models.
This release contains forward-looking statements, including statements
regarding ORBCOMM's expected commercial operations. These forward-looking
statements are based on a number of assumptions and ORBCOMM's actual results
and operations may be materially different from those expressed or implied by
such statements. For a description of factors that may cause ORBCOMM's
results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-
looking statements, please consult the Securities and Exchange Act filings of
ORBCOMM Global, L.P.
For more information on ORBCOMM services, please call 1-800-ORBCOMM, or
visit the ORBCOMM web site at http://www.orbcomm.com.
For more information on Volvo Cars, please call 1-800-970-0888, or visit
the Volvo Cars web site at http://www.volvocars.com.