Seoul, October 25, 2012 – Premium automaker Audi and STMicroelectronics (ST), a global semiconductor company in various electronic device applications that has focused on the automotive semiconductor sector since its founding in 1987, have formed a strategic partnership. The two companies plan to jointly develop advanced semiconductor solutions to drive automotive technology innovation.

Audi and ST will jointly develop semiconductor solutions in three key areas of automotive design: carbon dioxide emission reduction, safety and security, and infotainment and convenience. Through this collaboration, the two companies will drive active technological innovation while cooperating to ensure product quality, guarantee supply, and shorten time-to-market.

“We selected ST as part of our Progressive Semiconductor Program (PSCP), which further strengthens our engagement and demand for innovative ‘white box’ electronics,” said Ricky Hudi, Chief Engineer for Electrical & Electronics at Audi. “It was a natural choice to select ST, given that it is a recognized company dedicated to the automotive industry, possessing a diverse technology portfolio and in-house manufacturing capabilities.”

Marco Monti, Vice President and General Manager of ST’s Automotive Products Group, said, “I am very pleased to be invited by a globally recognized and innovative automotive brand like Audi to work together to deliver wonderful new vehicles to customers. Audi’s Progressive Semiconductor program demonstrates Audi’s commitment to innovation and the automotive market’s recognition that only true partnerships can lead to success. Partnerships with customers have been one of our core assets for the past 25 years.” “ST is now building closer cooperative relationships with automakers, and this should be attributed to Audi’s groundbreaking approach to ‘semiconductors,’ the true driving force behind innovation in the automotive industry,” he said.