Motorola AIEG Signs Alliance Agreement with Zytek Group to Produce Advanced Automotive Electronic Engine Control Systems
19 December 2000
Motorola AIEG Signs Alliance Agreement with Zytek Group to Produce Advanced Automotive Electronic Engine Control Systems
Industry Leaders Team Up to Produce One-Stop Systems Design for Growing Market
NORTHBROOK, Ill., Dec. 19 In a move that will boost
Motorola's presence in the integrated electronic engine systems market,
Motorola's Automotive and Industrial Electronics Group (AIEG), a
business unit of the Motorola Integrated Electronics and Systems Sector
(IESS), today announced that it has signed an alliance agreement with, and
will be making a strategic equity investment in, U.K.-based Zytek Group to
develop advanced electronic control systems for engines and powertrains used
in passenger vehicles.
"Today, successful system integrators must expand their capabilities in
the area of electronic engine control systems in order to remain competitive,"
said Joe Guglielmi, executive vice president and president of Motorola IESS.
"The principal purpose of this alliance is to serve the future needs of our
OEM customers."
Zytek's technology is well known in Formula racing, where the company
supplies engines for Formula 3000 racing teams. Zytek built the first Le Mans
hybrid racecar, a vehicle powered by both internal combustion and electric
power systems, two years before hybrid passenger cars were introduced to the
U.S. market.
Zytek's technology portfolio includes race and passenger car engines and
engine management systems, hybrid-electric and electric vehicle drivetrains
supplemented by electromechanical engineering services. Motorola AIEG
develops and manufactures electronics and electronic systems for automotive
original equipment manufacturers and other automotive customers worldwide.
"This alliance marks an important milestone for both companies," said Dave
Melka, senior vice president and general manager of Motorola AIEG. "Zytek
brings to the relationship advanced drivetrain technology in a market that is
poised to explode. Motorola offers industry-leadership capabilities in
designing and manufacturing engine control modules (ECMs), powertrain control
modules (PCMs) and other advanced automotive electronics which encompass
Motorola's DigitalDNA(TM) technology that helps make our customers' products
smarter, faster and more reliable."
"Motorola's leadership in ECM and PCM electronics provides the important
muscle that brings it all together to create powerful new integrated
engine/powertrain systems," said Bill Gibson, chairman of Zytek Group Ltd.
The market has been clamoring for new solutions to meet demanding fuel
economy, emissions and performance requirements. Zytek and Motorola together
form a very strong team dedicated to meeting these challenges."
The alliance will work through a newly-formed department, Motorola Zytek
Technologies (MZT), which will be located near Zytek's U.K. headquarters.
MZT's focus will be on engine management systems and systems integration for
powertrain applications exclusively for Motorola AIEG.
Motorola IESS
The Integrated Electronic Systems Sector (IESS) is part of Motorola, Inc.
. IESS is a leading provider of advanced electronic products and
systems for customers integrating electronics into their products. Motorola's
Automotive and Industrial Electronics Group (AIEG) researches, develops and
manufactures electronics and electronic systems for automotive original
equipment manufacturers and all tiers of automotive system suppliers and
industrial customers worldwide. Motorola IESS solutions provide the brains --
the DigitalDNA(TM) -- that make electronic systems smart, powerful and easy to
use.
Motorola, Inc. is a global leader in providing integrated
communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 1999
were $33.1 billion. http://www.motorola.com
Zytek
Zytek, a U.K.-based company, was formed in 1982 and designs, develops and
manufactures high quality products for several classes of racecars. Motor
sports success led the company into road car engine management. The group
supplements electronic products with engine design and development, wiring
systems and sensor manufacture. Zytek also supplies electro/mechanical
engineering services, providing individual services or resources to complete
turnkey projects for petrol-engine vehicles, hybrids and electric vehicles.
Motorola, the Motorola logo and Digital DNA are registered trademarks of
Motorola, Inc.
CONTACT: Kim Hurley of Motorola AIEG,, 248-324-9513,
Kim.Hurley@motorola.com, or Nevenka Todorovic of Hill and Knowlton for
Motorola, 312-475-5914, ntodorov@hillandknowlton.com.