SUNNYVALE, Calif. — March 28, 2006 — OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: OVTI), a world leading supplier of CMOS image sensors, today announced that it has been selected by Hella KGaA Hueck & Co., one of the world’s largest suppliers of automotive parts and accessories, to supply CMOS image sensors for Hella’s rearview camera products. The color camera for the rearview driver assistance system utilizes both OmniVision’s and Hella’s expertise in lighting, optics and electronic development.
“OmniVision has proven to be a valuable partner in developing our rearview camera products,” said Rolf Kuepper, Product Line Manager at Hella. “Their experience in CMOS imaging technology and their dedication to meeting the stringent requirements of automotive components were key to the successful development of this product.”
“We are honored to have been selected by Hella to supply sensors into a market that demands the highest quality of products,” said Inayat Khajasha, Senior Product Marketing Manager. “We have worked very closely with Hella and utilized their guidance and support to qualify our sensors for their automotive applications. We look forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship with Hella, and a bright future for OmniVision in the automotive market.”
The Hella rear view camera system includes an integrated CMOS camera with an aperture angle of more than 120° enabling the whole area behind a vehicle to be within the field of view. When drivers put their vehicle into reverse, they are shown an ergonomic color image on a display that adjusts itself to the ambient light level.
Hella KGaA Hueck & Co.
The global supplier develops and manufactures components and systems for lighting and electronics for the automotive industry. In addition, joint venture companies produce complete vehicle modules, air conditioning systems and vehicle electric systems. Hella is one of the world’s largest companies selling automotive parts and accessories, with its own sales companies and partners in more than 100 countries. The consolidated turnover of the Hella Group is 3.1 billion euros. Hella is one of the 100 largest industrial companies in Germany. A total of 24,000 people are employed in 65 production facilities, production subsidiaries and joint venture companies. More than 2,900 engineers and technicians work in research and development across the group. Customers include all leading automakers and system manufacturers as well as the automotive aftermarket.
Safe-Harbor Language
Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the performance and capabilities of OmniVision’s CMOS image sensors and the anticipated demand for the CMOS image sensors in the automotive market are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties, which could cause the forward-looking statements and OmniVision’s results to differ materially, include, without limitation: potential errors, design flaws or other problems with CMOS image sensors; customer acceptance and demand and the other risks detailed from time to time in OmniVision’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, OmniVision’s annual reports filed on Form 10-K and quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q. OmniVision disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement.