Intent upon establishing itself as a leader in the burgeoning telematics industry, the Motorola Telematics Communications Group (TCG) has announced it has shipped more than 1.5 million telematics systems worldwide since January 1999. Motorola has been delivering telematics since the introduction of the Ford RESCU system in 1996. Telematics systems include applications ranging from cellular telephone capabilities to Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation and wireless Internet access. As Motorola's automotive OEM partners commit to making telematics systems standard equipment on more of their vehicles, the sales number is expected to grow substantially. "Motorola is viewed as the leader in the emerging wireless telematics industry," said Brian Santoro, vice president and director of global sales and marketing for Motorola TCG. "Since our invention of the car radio 70 years ago, Motorola's commitment to the automotive industry has remained strong. Our telematics systems and our enabling technologies make up the vast majority of all telematics shipments. The explosion of the telematics industry is expected to be a major growth engine for Motorola going forward." Motorola breaks down the telematics industry into four major segments of increasing functionality -- the connected car, the safe car, the productive car and the fun car. The connected car: The telematics solution for the connected car offers consumer enhanced personal calling from an integrated phone system. It features wireless and hands-free communications, such as embedded cellular phones and portable handset support electronics. The safe car: This segment adds the ability to take advantage of such services as emergency calling, roadside assistance, stolen vehicle tracking and remote door unlock. Features include integrated wireless communication systems, hands-free capability, precise positioning and on-board computer products. The productive car: This segment adds voice portal Internet access capabilities, advanced dynamic navigation and real-time traffic services and enabling technologies for mobile commerce. The productive car also boasts a Java on-board computing platform, Java applications framework and telematics applications software. The fun car:<\b> The fun car adds capabilities for infotainment services, home-networked audio/visual entertainment and access to wide bandwidth wireless networks. The fun car adds features such as satellite audio and integration into other multi-media electronics, bringing the endless possibilities of media directly to the vehicle. According to Santoro, Motorola TCG is supporting the automotive OEM , auto sound, service provider and wireless carrier markets by providing technology and services that are mission critical to their customers' long-term strategic success. "While enabling the telematics industry today, Motorola is defining the telematics industry for the future," Santoro said. Motorola IESS The Integrated Electronic Systems Sector (IESS) is part of Motorola, Inc. IESS is a provider of advanced electronic products and systems -- DigitalDNAT. The Telematics Communications Group (TCG) is a business unit of Motorola's Integrated Electronic Systems Sector (IESS). TCG was formed in 1998 and focuses on emerging automotive communications markets for advanced wireless applications.