Magneti Marelli and Telit Communications S.p.A. have signed a memorandum of understanding in the area of GSM and GPRS modules to be used in telematic devices in the automotive field.
The agreement aims at developing info-mobility and tracking functions and services, and it specifically provides for Telit to supply Magneti Marelli with cellular M2M (machine-to-machine) modules to be fitted into telematics boxes for automotive use worldwide and in particular for Europe and Brazil.
The overall market in Brazil is estimated at 6 million units in 2010, driven by a mandate to track all cars, trucks, and mobile goods in case of theft or other criminal acts.
The cooperation between Magneti Marelli and Telit originates from the partnership for the development of the first portable navigation device, with high-speed data transfer (3G). Integrated with a high-speed modem 3G/HSDPA (7.2 Mbps) and Internet browser, this navigation device allows vehicle occupants to surf the Internet in the same way as from a personal computer and to download Web content.
The GSM module is the system component that provides voice communication capabilities and Internet connectivity to the car. The use of modules on platforms such as telematics boxes enables vehicle connectivity to communication networks and the exchange of information, ensuring mobile broadband connection during a trip.
Thanks to this connectivity, the telematics boxes allow a wide range of info-mobility services to be accessed from the vehicle: pay-per-use telematics insurance services, anti-robbery tracking and vehicle localization in case of theft, remote diagnostics for vehicle operation, company fleet management, emergency call (also known as E-call), information services on traffic and road conditions, information on access limits and bans, as well as in-vehicle multimedia entertainment services.
"Working with a partner like Telit ensures the proper technological standard for wireless communication and connectivity modules, which are at the heart of our automotive info-mobility solutions and systems that aim to deliver the world of Internet, information, and value-added functions and services to the vehicle," said Eugenio Razelli, CEO of Magneti Marelli.
"Our agreement formalizes the strong relationship we have been able to build with Magneti Marelli over the last years. Furthermore, it shows Telit`s commitment to Automotive customers supported by our innovative solutions and services," said Oozi Cats, CEO of the Telit Group.
About Magneti Marelli
Magneti Marelli designs and produces advanced systems and components for the automotive industry. With its 67 production facilities (80 production units), 10 R&D centers, and 28 application centers in 18 countries, 33,000 employees and a turnover of €5.4 billion in 2008, the group supplies all the leading carmakers in Europe, North and South America, and the Far East. Its business areas include powertrain, lighting, electronic systems, suspensions and shock absorber systems, exhaust systems, aftermarket parts and services, plastic components and modules, and motorsport. Magneti Marelli is part of Fiat Group.
About Telit
Telite Wireless Solutions is an internationally leading specialist in wireless M2M technology. Telit is the only company worldwide to offer communications modules for all of the various wireless technologies. It develops, produces, and markets modules for GSM/GPRS, UMTS/HSDPA, CDMA/1xRTT, and Short-Range RF applications. M2M applications rationalize business processes by enabling machines, equipment, and vehicles to communicate with each other via mobile networks.
Telit products are used all over the world and marketed via Telit's offices in Brazil, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Korea, Spain, the Republic of South Africa, Taiwan, Turkey, the U.K. and the U.S. Telit's global distributor network comprises specialists in wireless technologies and enhances the customer experience in over 56 countries worldwide.