Funkwerk receives first milestone contract for US market

- International automobile manufacturer commissions communication technology
specialist with supply of a special mobile radio amplifier
- Estimated order volume of lower double-digit million until 2012
- Funkwerk participates in further tenders of the automobile industry

Funkwerk AG, the specialist in professional communication systems, has received yet another major contract from the automobile industry. An international premium manufacturer recently commissioned the company with the supply of a multimode Compenser for the US-American market. The multimode Compenser is a mobile radio amplifier specially designed for vehicles. Fitted into the vehicle, it ensures a reliable mobile radio connection and thus contributes considerably to the improvement of mobile voice and data communication.

“With this first milestone contract for the US market, we now hope to establish ourselves in the USA as an international supplier of communication technology for the automobile industry,” says Funkwerk Chairman of the Board Dr. Hans Grundner after signing the contract.

Growing market for mobile radio equipment in the USA

Over the past few years, Funkwerk has made a name for itself as a supplier of communication equipment for the automobile industry and today, partners with a number of manufacturers in the OEM market (Original Equipment Manufacturers). Since 2003, the Thuringian technology group has also gained a foothold in North America with products provided by its Automotive Communication segment (hands-free units, mobile radio amplifiers, telematics and integrated communication units).
The contract for the development and production of the multimode Compensers is the first OEM contract for the US market. “For us, the USA is a growth market because it still has a tremendous backlog demand in terms of vehicle equipment. As a recognised A-list supplier of the automobile industry, we will now also be able to prove our technological competence in the USA,“ explains Dr. Grundner.

The multimode Compenser developed by the Funkwerk subsidiary in Dabendorf supports American mobile radio networks such as CDMA, TDMA and GSM and thus is suitable for universal use. Due to the significantly growing mobile radio market in the USA, the multimode Compenser is scheduled to be fitted as standard in all vehicles of the premium manufacturer for the US market. Today, the mobile radio am-plifiers (Compensers) from Dabendorf are already fitted in the European vehicles produced by Daimler-Chrysler AG, Audi AG and der BMW AG.

Funkwerk is innovation leader in mobile radio amplifiers for vehicles

“The multimode Compenser for the USA will enable us to underline our worldwide innovation leadership in the area of mobile radio amplifiers for use in vehicles. The contract received is at the same time the successful result of our US market entry efforts since 2003. These activities have contributed quite considerably to the development of the multimode Compenser,“ comments Lutz Pfister, head of the Automotive Communication segment of Funkwerk AG.

The total volume of this strategically important contract is estimated to a lower double-digit million, with its term running until 2012. The subsidiary from Brandenburg is currently participating in other tenders for the fourth, UMTS-compatible generation of the Compenser. Due to its fast transfer rates, the new UMTS mobile radio standard enjoys a growing popularity. The UMTS technology, in particular, requires a precise signal amplification in order to be able to use the additional functions potentially available in vehicles without interference. Due to its technological lead, Funkwerk also stands a good chance of receiving these other contracts.

Further information on Funkwerk AG:
Based in Kölleda near Erfurt, Funkwerk AG develops, produces and markets professional communication systems used in vehicles, transport and other companies and institutions. With its three segments Traffic & Control Communication (communications, management and onformation systems for transport and logistics companies), Automotive Communication (communication equipment for vehicles) and Enterprise Communication (personal security, messaging systems and access solutions for companies and institutions), Funkwerk occupies a strategically excellent position in future markets. With over 1,200 employees, the Thuringian technology group recently generated sales of around 250 mill. Euro.

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Katrin Schwarz

Investor Relations

Funkwerk AG

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