In its ongoing effort to provide international customers with the quality products and services enjoyed by its domestic counterparts, Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) announced that it has acquired a 49 percent equity stake in Corporación Nacional de Radiodeterminacion (CNR), a Mexican corporation that has been the exclusive operator and distributor of Qualcomm's OmniTRACS® two-way mobile satellite communications and tracking system in Mexico since 1992. Qualcomm will provide a team that will assist with the management of CNR, ensuring the continued delivery of quality products and services to the Mexican market.This agreement further signifies Qualcomm's commitment to service excellence worldwide.
"Consistent with the increased traffic crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, this decision was made to provide domestic OmniTRACS system customers, as well as Mexican customers, with efficient, seamless communications," stated Phil White, vice president and assistant general manager of Qualcomm's OmniTRACS division. "Bringing the global marketplace together further attests to Qualcomm's presence as a worldwide leader in advanced communications technologies and services. Both American and Mexican customers will benefit from these new developments in Mexico."
With nearly 2,000 OmniTRACS units sold, CNR has established a strong market presence in Mexico. Located near Mexico City, CNR recently signed contracts with Frio Express, a major refrigerated carrier that partners with such U.S. companies as Prime, KLLM and C.R. England, and Soriana, a large supermarket chain located in Mexico. Other major customers include Transportes EASO, S.A. de C.V., TUM Transportistas Unidos, S.A. de C.V. and Transportes Pitic, S.A. de C.V.
"We look forward to establishing a more active role in the Mexican marketplace," stated White. "Collectively we will meet our goal of achieving the same reputation in Mexico as we've established in the United States—a quality product backed by superior service."
The world's leading provider of satellite communications, tracking and information management solutions to the trucking industry, Qualcomm has sold nearly 200,000 OmniTRACS units worldwide, with systems operating in the United States, Canada, Europe, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, Malaysia and Korea. In less than three years, Qualcomm has more than doubled the international presence of its OmniTRACS system, expanding operation from 15 countries to its current 32.
Headquartered in San Diego, Qualcomm develops, manufactures, markets, licenses and operates advanced communications systems and products based on its proprietary digital wireless technologies. The Company's primary product areas are the OmniTRACS® system (a geostationary satellite-based, mobile communications system providing two-way data and position reporting services), CDMA wireless communications systems and products and, in conjunction with others, the development the Globalstar™ low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite communications system. Other Company products include the Eudora Pro™ electronic mail software, ASIC products, and communications equipment and systems for government and commercial customers worldwide. For more information on Qualcomm products and technologies, please visit the Company's web site at http://www.qualcomm.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, any forward-looking statements contained in this release are subject to risks and uncertainties, including change in economic conditions of the various markets the Company serves, as well as the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 1996 and most recent Form 10-Qs.
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