Novatel Wireless Delivers Connected Car Solution with its MiFi 3352 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVTL), a leading provider of intelligent wireless solutions, today announces its MiFi® 3352 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot is the basis for the connected car solution Abdul Latif Jameel Co. Ltd. (ALJ) L!nk™ WiFi integrated in select new Lexus and Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia.

The award winning MiFi 3352 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot delivers on-the-go Internet connectivity with download speeds up to 7.2 megabits per second. The solution supports up to five simultaneous users located within the car to connect securely via any Wi-Fi enabled device such as a laptop, iPad, tablet or smartphone. The MiFi 3352 comes pre-loaded with the Novatel Wireless MiFi operating system (OS), widgets and applications support. This will enhance both the intelligence of the device and the user experience through applications capabilities across users' Wi-Fi devices of choice including location based services such as Geo Search, Geo Weather and a data usage widget. The MiFi OS delivers a browser based Web user interface (UI) for quick intuitive access to the on-board MiFi resources.

The solution is deployed in collaboration with Systems of Strategic Business Solutions (SSBS) and ALJ, the sole distributor of Toyota, Lexus and Daihatsu vehicles in Saudi Arabia.  ALJ ships in excess of 200,000 vehicles per annum. The solution is branded L!nk™ WiFi by ALJ and is integrated directly with the vehicle power supply straight from the car battery and powered upon ignition.

"We selected the MiFi 3352 for our high-end L!nk Wi-Fi connectivity solution," says Faisal Abdalla, ALJ's VP of Domestic Automotive Operations, Saudi Arabia. "Our customers are accustomed to the best brands and high-quality devices and we're pleased to be working with Novatel Wireless, the leading intelligent mobile hotspot provider, to bring true mobile connectivity to the cars and our customers," Mr. Abdalla continues.

"Connected cars will provide a platform for numerous Telematics applications in the future. We are very excited to partner with ALJ and Novatel Wireless to bring this industry leading technology to the automotive world," commented Mr. Abdullah Al Othman, Chairman of SSBS. "Our relationship in developing this solution with ALJ and Novatel Wireless changes the way we access the Internet on-the-go."

According to a recent report from ABI Research, the installed base of embedded and hybrid connected car systems is expected to grow from 45 million at the end of 2011 to 210 million by 2016.

"We are thrilled to be working with ALJ and SSBS to bring their customers a new solution for easy rear-seat internet connectivity or infotainment," says Rob Hadley, CMO of Novatel Wireless. "Our leading intelligent MiFi solution has proven to be easily integrated in the car and we're excited to deliver a great in-car user experience with our partner."

ABOUT ALJ
Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) is a highly successful and well-respected Saudi company. Based in Jeddah, ALJ's largest business unit is Domestic Automobile Operations (DAO). DAO is the distributor for Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Toyota Forklift in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  ALJ's other automotive businesses include International Automobile Operations and a consumer finance company named United Installment Sales. Please log on to www.alj.com for additional information.

ABOUT SSBS
SSBS is a subsidiary of the Al-Othman Holding, a very well respected Group within the business environment of Saudi Arabia. The Al-Othman Holding is owned by Mr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Othman and his family. SSBS is a Services and Solutions Company with its Head Office in Al-Khobar, KSA. It operates and serves its customers throughout Saudi Arabia and the Middle East in industries such as Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Telecommunications, Telematics, Finance, Government and various other sectors. For more information please visit http://www.ssbs.com.sa/index.htm.

ABOUT NOVATEL WIRELESS
Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leader in the design and development of intelligent wireless solutions based on 2G, 3G and 4G technologies providing wireless connectivity. The Company delivers specialized wireless solutions to carriers, distributors, retailers, OEMs and vertical markets worldwide. Novatel Wireless' Intelligent Mobile Hotspot products, software, USB modems, embedded modules and smart M2M modules provide innovative anywhere, anytime communications solutions for consumers and enterprises. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Novatel Wireless is listed onNASDAQ: NVTL. For more information please visit www.novatelwireless.com. (NVTLG)

This release may contain forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended to date.  These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties.  A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained herein.  These factors include risks relating to technological changes, new product introductions, continued acceptance of Novatel Wireless' products and dependence on intellectual property rights.  These factors, as well as other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, are discussed in more detail in Novatel Wireless' filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (available at www.sec.gov) and other regulatory agencies.

(C) 2011 Novatel Wireless.  All rights reserved.  The Novatel Wireless name and logo, MiFi and MiFi OS are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc.  Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Contacts:
Media:
Charlotte Rubin
Novatel Wireless                    
+1 (858) 812-3431                 
[email protected]

Investors:
William A. Walkowiak, CFA
Novatel Wireless        
+1(858) 431-3711                  

SOURCE Novatel Wireless, Inc.