HiQ focuses on "wireless cars"- and a leading position in the field of wireless communication in automobiles

HiQ focuses on "wireless cars"- and a leading position in the field of wireless communication in automobiles HiQ is focusing on the field of Telematics, wireless communication for cars. In a year's time, it expects to employ 80 consultants in this field. The use of computers in cars is growing year by year and developments are accelerating. The automobiles of today and tomorrow are as much communication units as they are transportation means. Telematics involves the use of IT both inside the vehicle and to and from it. Advanced diagnostic systems that track the car's condition are being followed by navigation systems and communication solutions that allow the driver to read e-mail on the way to work or book a flight for a mid-winter getaway. "HiQ has been working on communication solutions for cars for many years. We developed a WAP browser in a car for a customer back in 1997, for example. We are currently witnessing growing interest among our customers in projects involving communication solutions based on GPRS, Bluetooth and UMTS," says Bernt Sjögren, Managing Director, HiQ Open. "Gothenburg is already an established centre of Telematics development in Sweden. All the major players, like Ericsson and Telia, are investing in the region. It's a natural, given the city's background in the automotive and telecoms industries. And we can find the skills we need here," continues Sjögren. At present, 25 consultants are working in the automotive industry, and HiQ is expecting to increase that number to 80 in a year's time. "HiQ's acquisition of Open Software in February consolidates our position in the market. We have increased our volume in western Sweden, where we already have a presence through our subsidiary, HiQ Väst. We have also acquired several new customers, allowing a stronger and faster establishment in the automotive industry in Gothenburg," says Lars Stugemo, CEO, HiQ International. For additional information, please call: Bernt Sjögren, Managing Director, HiQ Open, tel. +46 703 160960 Peter Davin, Managing Director, HiQ Väst, tel. +46 701 839199 Lars Stugemo, CEO, HiQ International, tel. +46 8 588 90 000 HiQ is an IT and management consultancy focusing on high-tech solutions within telecoms, the mobile Internet and simulation technology. Formed in 1992, the company is now a leader in these fields and the Nordic region is its domestic market. The Group's turnover in 1999 was SEK 223 million and it employs 365 people in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. HiQ is listed on the OM Stockholm Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit our web site at www.hiq.se. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by BIT http://www.bit.se The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/09/15/20000915BIT00220/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/09/15/20000915BIT00220/bit0002.pdf