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May 26, 2010

Martin Jones, Former Tata Technologies Engineering Chief Joins Altair ProductDesign to Lead Development of a New Electric Vehicle

Altair ProductDesign selected as development partner for a major automotive OEM’s new urban vehicle.

Leamington Spa, UK – Altair Engineering, Inc announced today that Martin Jones has joined its Altair ProductDesign (PD) consultancy division to lead the full development of an innovative new urban electric vehicle (EV).

Mr. Jones joins Altair from Tata Technologies where he was responsible for leading vehicle development programs. He has a broad range of experience in the automotive industry at a senior level having held positions at construction vehicle manufacturer, JCB, where he served as Operations Engineering Director responsible for all new product development activities; IBM UK where he was Director responsible for the development, global sales and application of Product Lifecycle Management; and Rover Group where he rose through the organization from an apprentice to Product Director.

Mr. Jones’ new role as European Chief Engineer is the result of Altair PD being selected as a development partner for a new luxury electric urban vehicle for a leading automotive company. Altair PD is responsible for vehicle development from concept to production, and it will draw upon its global engineering expertise and use of its proven simulation-driven design process to deliver the program.

“I have held some challenging management positions and privileged senior engineering leadership roles throughout my career,” said Martin Jones, European Chief Engineer, Altair PD. “The difference at Altair PD to any of my previous roles is the immediate availability of highly skilled, innovative engineers that are equipped with ‘best in class’ leading edged simulation tools and techniques they need to do the job properly – a real luxury and the envy of a lot of vehicle chief engineers I know. However, this is not just a luxury, it is a necessity. To develop an EV in today’s competitive market you need to be fast with innovation, accurate with your analysis and precise with your design release. Altair has all of this.”

Altair PD was chosen as a development partner for the innovative new vehicle, thanks to its past experience in full vehicle development coupled with the company’s geographical spread and access to engineering experts from across the globe.

“I am delighted that Martin has joined our team to deliver this ambitious project,” said Dr Royston Jones, President of Altair PD. “Our simulation led design philosophy coupled with a unique culture of innovation for our clients makes Altair PD a valued partner for companies across industry. I am happy to welcome Martin into the team and look forward to seeing his wealth of engineering experience make an impact on this EV development program.”