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Thalwil, Switzerland July 14, 2010 – u-blox, a leading supplier of embedded wireless and global positioning semiconductors and modules, has expanded contract manufacturing capacity for its’ LEON GSM/GPRS module to Brazil. The new production line is intended to meet the rapidly growing demand for wireless modems used for Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) amongst other applications. Utilizing a combination of GPS positioning with mobile communications, AVL is a powerful tool for tracking, managing and recovering vehicles and other goods.

“The Brazilian government has mandated that new automobiles sold in Brazil must have an AVL tracking device built-in”, said Nikolaos Papadopoulos, President of u-blox America. “As LEON is a critical component for AVL systems, we have commissioned a large-scale production line in Brazil to accelerate our response to our AVL customers, lower costs and simplify logistics.”

In 2007 there were over 3 million new vehicles sold in Brazil. In the same year, there were over 380,000 stolen cars with only an estimated 50% recovery rate (source: GPD consulting). In addition to AVL installed in new cars, there is also an after-market sector of over 18.5 million existing vehicles in Brazil. AVL is intended to deter vehicle theft, prevent road-tax fraud, and lower insurance costs.

For more information about LEON, visit our website or, contact the u-blox sales representative nearest you.

About u-blox
u-blox is a leading fabless semiconductor provider of embedded positioning and wireless communication solutions for the consumer, industrial and automotive markets. Our solutions enable people, devices, vehicles and machines to locate their exact position and wirelessly communicate via voice, text or video. With a broad portfolio of GPS modules, chips, and software solutions together with wireless modules and solutions, u-blox is uniquely positioned to enable OEMs to develop innovative solutions quickly and cost-effectively. Headquartered in Switzerland and with global presence in Europe, Asia and the Americas, u-blox employs 200 people. Founded in 1997, u-blox is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. (www.u-blox.com)

u-blox contact
Nikolaos Papadopoulos
President, u-blox America, Inc.
Phone: +1 703 483 3180,
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u-blox contacts for investor relations
Jean-Pierre Wyss, Chief Financial Officer
Phone: +41 44 722 74 20
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Thomas Seiler, Chief Executive Officer
Phone: +41 44 722 74 22
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