HiQ signs new framework agreement with Volvo Cars

HiQ signs new framework agreement with Volvo Cars

HiQ has signed a new framework agreement with the global vehicle manufacturer
Volvo Cars. The agreement covers services across product development and is
effective until the end of 2010.

“The past year has been a very turbulent one in the automotive industry, which
has had an impact on us and on our clients in the automotive sector. HiQ has a
strong brand and many years' experience of working on software development and
verification in new vehicle models. The fact that we have now been selected as
one of the suppliers that Volvo Cars has chosen to continue working with is
naturally a great success and important proof that we are delivering high
quality services to our client,” says Patrik Sahlsten, Automotive Business Area
Manager at HiQ Göteborg. 

In recent years HiQ has implemented a major initiative focusing on the
automotive industry - an initiative that has been successful and which has meant
that HiQ is winning market share in the sector. HiQ has steadily increased its
presence and Patrik Sahlsten expects to be able to increase recruitment in order
to meet demand when the economy picks up again. HiQ has a strong offering in
areas such as active safety systems, infotainment and hybrid technology.

“We continue to see great potential within our specialist areas, and much of the
software being built into new vehicle models is associated with these areas. Our
strong position in telecoms makes us of particular interest as a partner to work
with. This renewed confidence from Volvo Cars, combined with a brighter view of
the future in general, means that HiQ is now daring to recruit additional
skilled developers and testers,” says Sahlsten.
 
“Today HiQ has a strong position in the automotive industry and has worked on
various assignments for automotive clients for more than ten years. In addition
to the global trend towards environmental awareness and more fuel-efficient
vehicles, there is increasing integration between the vehicles and their
surroundings. For example, until now, the software in the vehicle has relied on
its own sensors to control the safety systems, but new mobile technology is
enabling this technology to be developed further - a very exciting trend,” says
Jerker Lindstén, Managing Director of HiQ Göteborg.

“The renewed confidence that Volvo Cars is placing in us will open up new
opportunities for HiQ in the automotive industry. We are now looking forward to
our continued good cooperation with this important client,” concludes Jerker
Lindstén.

For further information, please contact: 
Jerker Lindstén, Managing Director HiQ Göteborg, +46 (0)31-743 91 00 
Patrik Sahlsten, Automotive Business Area Manager HiQ Göteborg, +46 (0)31-743 91
00 
Annika Billberg, Head of Corporate Communications HiQ, +46 (0)8-588 90 015, +46
(0)704-200 103

HiQ is an IT and management consultancy company focusing on high-tech solutions
in the fields of communications, software development and simulation technology.
The company is a leading player in these fields and the Nordic region is its
domestic market. HiQ employs more than 1,000 people at offices in the Nordic
region and Eastern Europe. HiQ is listed on the Nasdaq OMX Nordic Exchange
Stockholm Mid Cap. For more information, please visit www.hiq.se