SEATTLE /BUSINESS WIRE/ -- Airbiquity, a company that develops wireless in-band modem software products, and Continental Automotive Systems, a leading global automotive supplier, announced that they have signed a global licensing agreement for the use of Airbiquity's aqLink software. The agreement cements and extends Airbiquity's working relationship with Continental, a recognized global leader in telematics control units.
"Airbiquity is pleased to sign the global licensing agreement with Continental, a leader in providing telematics solutions, as it allows us to address our rapidly growing global telematics business and provide customers a modular product platform with a reliable wireless data transport for telematics services," said Airbiquity president and CEO Kamyar Moinzadeh. "Continental's global presence opens new business opportunities in North America, Europe, and Asia, and we look forward to expanding in those markets."
Continental Automotive Systems' telematics business unit has surged to the forefront with the innovation, development, and commercialization of embedded telematics and hands-free communication systems using Bluetooth wireless technology. Continental's telematics and hands-free systems are included in more than 12 million cars on the road today.
Airbiquity's aqLink software enables the transport of critical wireless data over the voice channel of any wireless global network in an embedded or Bluetooth hands-free telematics communication system during a voice conversation. Airbiquity's software is deployed in over 4.5 million vehicles.
"Telematics plays an important role in our efforts to integrate embedded or hands-free in-vehicle wireless communication systems into our active passive integration approach (APIA), which focuses on creating cars that avoid crashes, prevent injuries, and provide immediate assistance if a crash proves unavoidable," said Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, president of Continental Automotive Systems. "The significance of the ability to transmit real-time data over the voice channel cannot be overstated, which is why the aqLink product is a critical step toward implementing our strategy in vehicles made by world-class manufacturers we serve."
Airbiquity and Continental are working jointly on North American and pan-European eCall pilot projects using the aqLink in-band modem technology. The aqLink technology facilitates transmission of data, such as a vehicle's location during an emergency, airbag notifications, and remote diagnostics information.
About Airbiquity
Airbiquity provides software solutions that enable product suppliers and service providers in the M2M and telematics industries to deliver reliable and ubiquitous data communications by leveraging existing wireless networks. Airbiquity's aqLink software modem is used by some of the largest automotive manufacturers in their telematics service offerings. To learn more about Airbiquity, please visit their Web site.
About Continental
The Continental Corp. is a leading automotive supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires, and technical elastomers. In 2005, the corporation realized sales of EUR13.8 billion. At present it has a worldwide workforce of around 85,000.
As a worldwide leading technology partner to the automotive industry, the Automotive Systems Division of Continental AG integrates extensive know-how and uncompromising quality in the fields of driving safety, embedded telematics and hands-free communication systems, powertrain, and comfort. In 2005, the division achieved sales of approx. EUR5.2 billion with a workforce of more than 24,000. Continental Automotive Systems develops and produces electronic and hydraulic brake, stability, and chassis control systems; electronic air suspension systems; sensors; engine management and transmission control systems; hybrid drives; cooling fan modules; body and security electronics; and it is also an industry leader of embedded telematics and communication systems in vehicles.
In 2006, Continental Automotive Systems celebrates altogether 100 years of successful automotive technologies. The slogan "Forward Thinking" points to the future and the mission to keep pushing for new dimensions in safe mobility and the joy of driving cars.