NEC Electronics and NEC Introduce IMAPCAR Image Processor with Advanced Parallel Processing Capabilities for Automotive Safety Systems

New Processor Adopted in Lexus LS460 Pre-crash Safety System

DUESSELDORF (Germany) and TOKYO (Japan) -- Aug 25, 2006 -- NEC Electronics Corporation (“NEC Electronics”) and NEC Corporation (“NEC”), with support from Toyota Motor Corporation (“Toyota”) and Denso Corporation (“Denso”), today introduced the IMAPCAR® image processor for automobiles, which can detect nearby objects such as vehicles, pedestrians, and lane markers in real-time, enabling automobile manufacturers to easily implement safety mechanisms and collision prevention systems. IMAPCAR (Image Memory Array Processor for CAR) will be featured in the pre-crash safety system of the new Lexus LS460 developed by Toyota, scheduled to be available this autumn.

IMAPCAR is five times faster than the leading automotive image processor, boasting performance of up to 100 GOPS (Giga (billion) Operations per Second). Using parallel processing technology throughout its 128 processing elements, IMAPCAR provides the advanced performance necessary for real-time identification of objects.

The image recognition functions are processed by software, which allows easy modification of programs as compared to hardware solutions. Additionally, the 0.13-micron process technology used in the IMAPCAR helps it suppress power consumption to under 2 watts, which is optimal for automobiles.

NEC Electronics and NEC have long recognized the need for image recognition technology in automotive and intelligence transportation applications, and began research and developments in 1990 at NEC’s research laboratories. In particular, the companies focused on parallel processing technology, which was necessary for advanced recognition of and response to moving images.

The first single-chip image processor was introduced in February 2003, and consequently exhibited at industry events such as CEATEC 2003, ITS 2004 and Convergence 2004. IMAPCAR was developed in conjunction with Toyota and Denso, based on this technology.

NEC Electronics and NEC believe IMAPCAR will help manufacturers of automobiles and automotive electronics more efficiently develop safety systems, leading to widespread adoption in vehicles. The companies will pursue further developments in the field of image recognition technology, refining the technology for pre-crash safety systems, as well as developing both high-end and low-end devices for use in a wide range of markets including security, game, robot, and factory automation.

Availability

Samples of the IMAPCAR® are now available. Volume production is available immediately upon order. Monthly production volumes are expected to reach 10,000 units by the end of the fiscal year in March, 2007. Availability is subject to change.

About NEC Electronics Corporation

NEC Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) specializes in system LSI semiconductor products for a wide range of applications in the computing, networking, mobile, automotive and digital consumer markets. The company was spun off from NEC Corporation in 2002 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2003. NEC Electronics provides design, development and manufacturing support through its staff of approximately 24,000, from its headquarters in Kawasaki, Japan and 25 worldwide subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.necel.com.

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation (NASDAQ: NIPNY, FTSE: 6701q.l, TSE: 6701) is one of the world's leading providers of broadband and mobile Internet solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of its diverse and global base of customers. Ranked as a Global Fortune 500(R) company and one of the world's top patent- producing companies, the NEC group delivers tailored solutions in the core technologies and services required in a networked world, ranging from advanced semiconductor solutions, to large-scale mission critical systems, systems integration, and broadband and mobile technologies. The NEC group employs more than 140,000 people worldwide and had net sales of approximately $39 billion in the fiscal year ended March 2002.

NEC is a total solution provider for 3G and the mobile Internet. NEC has been involved in every first-stage rollout of 3G systems worldwide. NEC is also responsible for developing the first 3G handsets for use on the world's first 3G network. NEC has competence in the mobile Internet area with its mobile infrastructure system, mobile application platform and its impressive portfolio of contents. NEC's mobile handsets are known for their prominent technologies including large colour screens, built-in cameras and other functions that make the, ideal for use in mobile Internet.

For additional information, please visit the NEC home page at http://www.nec.com.