HSINCHU, March 15 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- To provide closer services to branded customers in China, AU Optronics Corp. submitted an application to the Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs in regard to the investment plan in Kunshan, Jiangsu to establish a G7.5 TFT-LCD front-end manufacturing fab. According to the government regulation, the investment project application is subject to approval by the Core Technology Committee. AUO expects the investment would bring more convenient and in-time services to its customers in China, and that it could also strengthen AUO's competitiveness in China's TV market.
AUO expects that the total amount of investment for the G7.5 fab will be approximately US$ 3 Billion. AUO plans to inject US$1.2 Billion as capital, in addition to local financing support.
AUO will continue to invest in new generation lines in Taiwan. The equipment for the second production line of G8.5 is scheduled to move-in in the Taichung Science Park by the end of 2010. AUO will continue to develop its display business in Taiwan.
About AU Optronics
AU Optronics Corp. (AUO) is a worldwide top three manufacturer* of thin film transistor liquid crystal display panels (TFT-LCD). AUO is able to provide customers with a full range of panel sizes and comprehensive applications, offering TFT-LCD panels in sizes ranging from 1.2 inches to greater than 65 inches. AUO generated NT$359.3 billion (US$11.2 billion) in sales revenue in 2009 with global operations in Taiwan, Mainland China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the U.S., and Europe. Additionally, AUO is the first pure TFT-LCD manufacturer to be successfully listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). AUO extended its market to the green energy industry in late 2008, and formally founded its Solar Photovoltaic Business Unit in October, 2009. For more information, please visit AUO.com.
* DisplaySearch 4Q2009 WW Large-Area TFT-LCD Shipment Report. This data is used as reference only and AUO does not make any endorsement or representation in connection therewith. 2009 year end revenue converted at an exchange rate of NTD31.95:USD1.
Safe Harbour Notice
AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO), a worldwide top three manufacturer of large-size TFT-LCD panels, today announced the above news. Except for statements in respect of historical matters, the statements contained in this Release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements were based on our management's expectations, projections and beliefs at the time regarding matters including, among other things, future revenues and costs, financial performance, technology changes, capacity, utilization rates, yields, process and geographical diversification, future expansion plans and business strategy. Such forward looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including risks related to the flat panel display industry, the TFT-LCD market, acceptance of and demand for our products, technological and development risks, competitive factors, and other risks described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on June 4th, 2008.
