austriamicrosystems AG, a leading global developer and manufacturer of high performance analog and analog intensive mixed signal microchips (ICs) for the industrial, medical, communications and automotive markets, is proud to announce the successful first audit of its Quality Management System according to the most recent international Quality Management Standard ISO/TS 16949:2002 and the recertification of its Environmental Management System according to ISO 14001:1996 and EC No 761/2001 (EMAS).

Det Norske Veritas (DNV), one of the largest certification bodies worldwide, certified that austriamicrosystems meets all criteria for ISO/TS 16949:2002 (including the semiconductor commodity requirements). According to Walter Schauer, lead auditor for DNV, austriamicrosystems achieved one of the best audit results for ISO/TS 16949:2002 since DNV started to audit according to this standard. ISO/TS 16949:2002 is the newest, internationally recognized Quality Management Standard for automotive applications which surpasses the existing QS9000 and VDA 6.1 certifications already held by austriamicrosystems since 1999.

Additionally, DNV certified that austriamicrosystems continues to fully meet the requirements of the international Environmental Management Standards ISO 14001:1996 and EC No 761/2001 (EMAS), with only minimal deviations from the theoretical optimum.

Herwig Klimesch, Director Quality and Environment at austriamicrosystems AG, comments: "Building on our very good performance in previous audits, we were able to improve our quality and environmental management systems even further to achieve these truly excellent results. I would like to thank everyone involved for contributing to this significant success."

John Heugle, CEO of austriamicrosystems AG, adds: "We are one of the very few semiconductor manufacturers globally fulfilling the strict quality requirements of the automotive industry. Together with our strong focus on environmental compliance, this sets us apart from the competition. We are proud of this achievement which demonstrates our firm commitment to environmental leadership and superior quality for our customers. These are important factors supporting our continuing growth and success in the marketplace."

A further highlight in austriamicrosystems' environmental efforts is the commitment to early implementation of Pb-free (lead-free) packaging for all of its products, according to EU directive 2002/95/EG (RoHS directive) which bans the use of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (Cr 6), polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) in electronic packaging after July 1, 2006.

austriamicrosystems already implemented a Pb-free/RoHS compliance program in 2003, to include re-qualification of all packages in lead-free (Pb-free) technology. As a consequence, austriamicrosystems will be able to offer all production parts in 100% lead-free (Pb-free) packaging already from the beginning of 2005.

With this effort austriamicrosystems fulfills all requirements of the EU directive 18 months before the mandated date, remaining true to the company's long term commitment to be a pioneer in ensuring outstanding environmental governance.

About austriamicrosystems

austriamicrosystems AG is a leading designer and manufacturer of highly integrated analog intensive mixed signal ICs. austriamicrosystems combines more than 20 years of design capabilities, product and marketing know-how with its own cutting edge analog manufacturing and test facilities. Operating worldwide with more than 800 employees, austriamicrosystems serves four strategic markets: Communications, Industry & Medical, Automotive and Full-Service Foundry. austriamicrosystems AG is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker symbol: AMS).