Press Release
MSC.Software Helps Chery Automobile Company Improve Vehicle Development with Virtual Product Development
SANTA ANA, Calif. - February 18, 2004 - MSC.Software Corp. (NYSE: MNS), the leading global provider of virtual product development (VPD) products including simulation software and services, today announced a multi-phase, enterprise consulting services engagement with Chery Automobile Company Ltd. (Chery). As one of the fastest growing automotive OEMs in China, Chery is currently building an automotive engineering research institute (AERI) as the first phase of a long-term program for product line expansion. The services being provided by MSC.Software are linked to detailed planning and requirements for the new technical facilities.
"MSC.Software is now being invited to compete for business against the world's largest services companies and we are winning these engagements based upon our decades of engineering experience in the automotive industry," said Frank Perna, Chairman and CEO of MSC.Software. "Chery found that MSC.Software is much more than a software company. Our ability to deliver scaleable consulting services that help customers develop high quality products and deploy more cost-effective product development processes was key to our selection as a strategic partner."
"We chose MSC.Software because of its superior global consulting team and their in-depth knowledge of the industry's best practices. Strategic planning, key suppliers/partnership strategy, vehicle development processes and VPD, project management and human resource planning are all vital to our future success. MSC.Software brought these to the table, along with great local technical support," said Dr. Min Xu, Vice President of Chery Automobile. "MSC.Software has shown a great commitment to the success of this project; both from its top management and from the project team. They made an impressive proposal, which included a detailed execution plan, practical deliverables and aggressive schedule. By executing this project, I believe we will be able to meet our ambitious business and technical goals, and achieve greater confidence in our vehicle development process and the success of our future products."
The 3-phase project with Chery began in 2003 with a process audit that included analysis of the AERI development strategies and goals and assessment of the current vehicle designs, development processes and supporting infrastructure. The results of the audit provide a basis for recommending organization structure and project management processes, identifying key business partners and suppliers, determining infrastructure, facilities and equipment needs, optimizing IT systems for virtual product development (VPD), and specifying human resources requirements and infrastructure. As a result of this, Chery will be able to establish and control investment performance, reduce investment risk, improve vehicle design process, optimize their organization and project management, and apply VPD to their vehicle development processes.
About MSC.Software Corporation
MSC.Software (NYSE: MNS) is the leading global provider of simulation software, and services, that helps companies make money, save time and reduce costs associated with designing and testing manufactured products. MSC.Software works with thousands of companies in hundreds of industries to develop better products faster by utilizing information technology, software, services and systems. MSC.Software employs more than 1400 people in 23 countries. For additional information about MSC.Software's products and services, please visit www.mscsoftware.com.
About SAIC Chery Automobile Company
Founded in 1997 in China, SAIC Chery Automobile Co. Ltd proudly opened a new era for China's automobile industry by establishing themselves as an independent provider of automobile technology. 50,000 cars with the Chery brand were sold to the China Market in 2002, with a business volume of about RMB 4 Billion. Sales more than doubled in 2004. Chery's vision is to be one of the main players in the world small and medium automotive market, with their own developed brand/models. In order to achieve their aim, they are building an automotive research institute, which is planned to accommodate 3000 employees within 5 years. For additional information about SAIC Chery Automobile Co. Ltd products and services, please visit www.mychery.com.
| Contact: Joanne Keates Vice President, Investor Relations MSC.Software 714.444.8551 joanne.keates@mscsoftware.com |
Contact: Catherine Meek Media Relations MSC.Software 714.445.5647 catherine.meek@mscsoftware.com |
