Volvo IT and Semcon launch a new world concept

Press release from Volvo IT and Semcon in partnership, 17/1/2000 Volvo IT and Semcon launch a new world concept Volvo Information Technology and Semcon are strengthening their partnership in producing solutions for Internet and multimedia-based information for car drivers. The two companies are now launching a jointly developed solution for interactive information for drivers. The product is the first of its type in the world and has been developed for Volvo Cars. The launch is to take place in connection with the new V70 model. As an addition to the printed instruction manual, the car buyer can learn about the car's functions and capabilities straight from the computer screen. This is achieved by means of an interactive CD ROM with recorded film footage, where different functions are illustrated in images, text and sound. The product is based on a concept from Volvo IT and has been specially produced in partnership with Semcon. It will be available via the Internet in the near future. The partnership also means that Semcon will be launching the concept on the world market, and offering the product to other companies within the automotive and telecoms industries. Semcon was selected as a partner by Volvo Cars in early 1999 for the development and production of technical information for all car models. Semcon is a market leader within technical information in Sweden. "It seems appropriate for Semcon as our partner to market the concept to do with interactive information for drivers. More customers are a guarantee that the idea will be developed further, " says Leif-Åke Svärd, Head of Technical Service at Volvo Cars AB. Volvo IT, which is the dominant supplier of IT services to Volvo and Volvo Cars is currently able to offer a wide range of IT solutions on the web and the Internet, mobile services, telematics and also multimedia and communications. "By launching the product on an external market, thus involving a broader customer base, our partnership with Semcon will enable us to strengthen the continued development of the concept of interactive user's instructions. I also regard Semcon's experience within information production as a great advantage in this work," says Magnus Carlander, Head of Strategic Technologies at Volvo IT. -"Increased collaboration with Volvo Cars and Volvo IT is an excellent platform for our vision, to be market leaders within Internet-based technical information," says Lars-Inge Sjöqvist, MD of Semcon Data. The wide experience and competence in major IT systems which Volvo IT have developed make a good basis for our joint development. The potential for web platforms and the concept is enormous, and we're already discussing a number of further projects," Lars-Inge Sjöqvist continues. For more information, please contact:: Lars-Inge Sjöquist, MD Semcon Data AB, Tel mobile +46 705-987706; e-mail, lis@semcon.se, Magnus Carlander, Head of Strategic Technologies, Volvo IT, Tel, mobile +46 708-667082; e-mail, it1.mcar@memo.volvo.se or Volvo Cars AB, Information staff, Tel +46-31-590000. Semcon is a leading Nordic development company. We develop products, processes and people. Turnover in 1998 amounted to SEK 709 million with a staff of over 1200. Semcon AB (publ.) is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange O-list. Volvo Information Technology is a resource and competence centre producing IT solutions for Volvo and Volvo Cars. Volvo IT create cost-effective IT solutions which generate business for Volvo. A world-wide staff of 2500 are employed with computer managagment, data and telecommunications, method development, systems and technologies within a variety of specialist areas. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/01/17/20000117BIT00410/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/01/17/20000117BIT00410/bit0002.pdf