Microvision - DER Durchbruch ( Seite 6)

American Honda Motor Company Introduces Microvision`s Nomad Augmented Vision System to Honda and Acura Dealers

New Information Tool for Technicians to Be Named i-Tech Receives Enthusiastic Response from Dealers

BOTHELL, Wash., Oct 7, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- American Honda Motor Company and Microvision, Inc. (Nasdaq:MVIS) today reported that Honda successfully introduced Microvision`s Nomad Augmented Vision System to its assemblies of American Honda and Acura dealers. The product introduction took place at the auto company`s two annual dealer shows held in San Diego, September 18, and San Francisco, October 2. Based on the enthusiastic dealer response, Microvision is planning a launch in early 2004.

Unveiled to dealers under the Honda name "i-Tech Expert Technician System," the Nomad Augmented Vision System is a powerful tool that promises to increase the efficiency and accuracy of service technicians performing complex repair procedures, thereby reducing costs and increasing customer satisfaction. The head-worn display, designed by Microvision, can overlay automobile diagnostics and repair instructions directly on the technician`s vision. The result is that work is completed accurately and efficiently.

"Our mission is customer satisfaction," said Tom Laymon, Honda`s assistant vice president for national parts and service. "Providing our dealers and their service centers with the right tools to "fix it right the first time" is a key focus for Honda. We believe that the Nomad wireless, head-worn information tool is the best service solution for the increasing complexity of the vehicles and ever-higher customer expectations for quality, timely repairs. Based on our recently concluded evaluation of the next-generation Nomad product and coupled with the enthusiastic feedback from our Honda dealers at the annual conference, we are planning to roll out the i-Tech Expert Technician System to our dealers and technicians in early 2004."

Comments from Honda dealers following the National Conference in San Diego underscored the enthusiasm for the i-Tech Expert Technician System. Larry Mallory, general manager of Honda of Kirkland in Kirkland, Washington, and Chairman of Honda`s e-Business Dealer Council commented, "I believe that i-Tech will be a great tool for our technicians, both the "top techs" and the less-experienced techs on our team. Our service operation is eager to use this new product. We already envision the value of i-Tech for diagnostic and warranty repairs and claims coding, as well as the training potential offered by i-Tech. Honda of Kirkland is eagerly looking forward to working with this promising new tool."

"i-Tech will let my technicians fix the vehicles right the first time, which means satisfied customers and a more productive service team," said Jim Lanik, owner of Roger Beasely Honda South East of San Antonio in Victoria, Texas. "I am one of the few dealers who is a master technician. Repairing cars is how I got into the business. I sure wish we had this type of product in my day -- I can`t wait to get i-Tech into my shop."

In a field trial of the Nomad Augmented Vision System at the American Honda Motor Company training center in Torrance, CA, Microvision and Honda measured average increases of 39% in the efficiency of skilled service technicians performing complex repair procedures. As part of a recent study commissioned by Microvision, a formula for return on investment (ROI) with the use of the Nomad Augmented Vision System was created for a typical automotive dealership. At a conservative 18 - 20% time efficiency gain, a dealership would realize a net ROI of $2,292 per technician per month. Annualized for eight technicians the ROI could be as high as $113,000.

American Honda Motor Company has approximately 1,500 Honda and Acura dealerships with an estimated 18,000 technicians, as well as an estimated 50,000 Honda-certified independent technicians in the U.S. The technicians in each of these locations are potential users of the i-tech Expert Technician System. On July 31, 2003 Microvision announced a non-binding Letter of Intent from Honda to purchase 3800 Nomad Systems beginning in 2004.

The i-Tech system will be a wireless, head-worn information tool incorporating a lightweight Nomad display mounted on a Honda/Acura baseball cap, and a belt-worn control module with integrated `thin client` computer and battery. The i-Tech tool will display and control Honda service and diagnostic information through Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol from a remote Windows(R) 2003 Server using an 802.11(b) wireless network. "The `thin-client` format makes it possible and affordable for all technicians in a typical dealership service center to simultaneously access separate information from one server," said Tom Sanko, vice president of marketing for Microvision.

"We`re thrilled with the enthusiasm conveyed by the dealers at both shows," continued Sanko. "Seeing strong evidence of demand from the dealers was a key factor in driving our launch strategy. The next steps for Honda and Microvision include gathering feedback from several scheduled field tests of the i-Tech system at selected Honda and Acura dealers throughout the U.S. It is the final important step in preparing for product launch in early 2004. We`re fine tuning the product configuration by having the technicians use the product throughout a typical work day."

Microvision and Honda are expected to showcase the i-Tech Expert Technician System in the Honda exhibit at two upcoming industry trade shows: the Specialty Equipment Market Association in Las Vegas November 4-7 and the National Autobody Congress and Expo in Orlando December 5-7.

schlufti, hast jetzt etwa MVIS-Aktien???

ansonsten gibts bzgl MVIS ja nix neues, Finanzierungsrunde in den nächsten Wochen müßte kommen.

Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

eine 2.Honda???

Microvision`s Nomad Augmented Vision System in Trial at Volvo Trucks North America Increases Service Technician Efficiency by 31%

BOTHELL, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 22, 2003--

Use of Nomad System Aimed at Improving Service Quality

Microvision, Inc. (Nasdaq:MVIS) today announced that in a field trial of the Nomad Augmented Vision System at Volvo Trucks North America`s Technical Support Center in Greensboro, NC, Microvision and Volvo measured average increases of 31% in the efficiency of skilled service technicians performing complex diagnostic procedures. The trials were conducted as part of an evaluation by Volvo Trucks to measure the effectiveness of Microvision`s Nomad Augmented Vision System, a revolutionary head-worn head-up display that can overlay truck and automobile diagnostics and repair instructions directly on the technician`s vision.

Volvo Trucks has over 300 dealers in its North American network. There are approximately 25,000 new heavy truck and automobile franchises in the U.S., plus more than 160,000 after-market repair facilities, according to U.S. Government Census statistics. All face the challenge of increasing complexity in new vehicles and a critical shortage of trained technicians.

"The goal is getting trucks back on the road quickly and keeping them there," said Greg Holderfield, Director, Technical Support Services, Volvo Trucks North America. "Giving technicians the ability to see and access diagnostic data and procedures as they perform the tasks not only saves time, but allows less experienced technicians to work with a higher level of accuracy. Having all the information in the technicians` visual field as needed, whether up on the engine or in the cab, means fewer guesses or mistakes. Getting it right the first time is equally important as getting the truck on the road quickly. We see the Nomad technology as a potential tool in Volvo`s commitment to productivity for truck owners and operators."

Bruce Ridley, manager of industrial marketing at Microvision stated, "The results of this field trial are another strong validation of the performance and value of the Nomad System for any potential customer who is concerned about increasing productivity, quality and safety in their operations. The economic benefit of achieving a 31% increase in efficiency by reducing the amount of time it takes to conduct costly procedures is enormous."

The Nomad Augmented Vision System keeps procedural information in the technician`s vision at all times by overlaying data and instructions while the user deploys tools and test equipment. This new way of working, called augmented vision, saves significant time for technicians by eliminating the need to go back and forth to printed manuals or computer kiosks.

In a study commissioned by Microvision and performed by Salire Partners, a formula for return on investment (ROI) with the use of Nomad Augmented Vision Systems was created for a typical heavy truck dealership. At the measured 31% time efficiency gain and an estimated 50% usage of the Nomad tool for diagnostics and complex procedures, a dealership could realize an ROI of $2,292 per technician, per month. Annualized for eight technicians the ROI can be as high as $113,000.

Microvision and Volvo Trucks North America indicated that they are planning an additional evaluation to further develop and integrate the Nomad System using a wireless 802.11(b) connection to Volvo`s proprietary diagnostic system.

das schöne an der ganzen Geschichte ist, dass man dann in 2004 an den q-Ergebnissen tatsächlich endlich mal erkennen kann, ob mit dem Zeug überhaupt Gewinne erzielt werden kann.

ach ja, ALIF hat Vertrag mit Ericsson HK. Na sowas.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1356439,00.asp

http://www.microvision.com/mvis_review/08-2003/