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NXP Semiconductors supports European Union to save annual 2.500 lives by cost-effective eCall

In the presence of Viviane Reding, Commissioner for the Information Society and Media, Marc de Jong, NXP Semiconductors executive vice president, business unit automotive and identification, today signed the eCall Memorandum of Understanding. Through his signature, NXP Semiconductors pledges its full support for eCall, the pan- European emergency call system.

NXP and Siemens Mobility have reached an agreement to technically collaborate with each other in order to develop NXP’s new ATOP (Automotive Telematics On Board Unit Platform) into the ‘single chip on-board unit’ system based on GPS and GSM. Once it is ready for the market, it is intended for use in private vehicles. ATOP can be used simply and cost-effectively as it exploits existing GPS/GSM mobile networks. It is not necessary to install expensive infrastructure such as toll stations. Drivers can install the on-board unit for private cars in just a few minutes. The system is secure and facilitates easy toll collection. Commercial use is planned for the first half of 2010.

Governments, authorities and institutions all over the world are becoming increasingly interested in flexible road pricing solutions that are suitable for all car drivers and can automatically calculate and charge customers for a journey by car. In addition, they must not impair the flow of traffic and must help to ensure that the number of vehicles on the roads is kept within reasonable limits. Siemens Mobility and NXP are therefore working together to create a viable, practical solution for the market.