TOKYO, Japan, July 13, 2015 - Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723), the world's leading provider of microcontrollers and highly-advanced automotive semiconductor solutions, today announced that Renesas and Audi have established a strategic relationship as part of the Audi Progressive SemiConductor Program (PSCP) to accelerate automotive innovation. This strategic relationship covers traditional automotive control areas such as powertrain, chassis, body and safety; driver infotainment and driver assistance systems; and newer application areas including automated drive, connected car and the electrical vehicle.

"Renesas Electronics is a major innovation leader in the semiconductor industry. The company's MONOS flash technology as well as its pioneering role in the development of 28nm process technology are significant proof of this," said Ricky Hudi, Head of Electric/Electronic Development at Audi. "I'm pleased that we have Renesas as an innovative, extremely quality-conscious and reliable partner working with us on our Progressive SemiConductor Program. We will join forces to increase the processing performance, comfort level and intelligence of our cars even further."

"We are pleased to be able to work on this unique program as a strategic partner with Audi," said Ryuji Omura, Executive Vice President of Renesas Electronics Corporation. "We are honoured to have been highly regarded by Audi for our advanced technological strength and state-of-the-art quality. The collaboration with Audi serves as an important opportunity for Renesas to gain deeper understanding of the European automotive marketplace."

Today, between 80 and 90 percent of all car innovations are based directly or indirectly on semiconductors. This is why Audi is developing a core competency in the semiconductor area with its Progressive SemiConductor Program. The Program is designed to rapidly make the latest semiconductor technologies available in cars, while increasing reliability. The aim of the program is to transfer progress in the field of microelectronics more effectively to the car. An important part of it involves being in direct contact with the semiconductor manufacturers and working with them on joint development.

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