Magneti Marelli and TELIT Sign a Memorandum of Understanding in the Field of Telematics Devices for Automotive

ROME--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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 on telematics devices in the automotive field.

“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”

The agreement aims at developing info-mobility and tracking functions and services, and 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 six 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 Mb/s) 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 the 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 assures 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.