EXHIBIT 99.1
[LOGO]
JOHN DEERE
NEWS RELEASE FOR: AUGUST 31, 2000
For more information:
Deere & Company
Ken Golden - Manager, Public Relations
309-765-5678
XATA Corporation
Gary C. Thomas - Chief Financial Officer
612-894-3680
JOHN DEERE SPECIAL TECHNOLOGIES GROUP EXPANDS TECHNOLOGY
CAPABILITIES THROUGH STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN XATA CORPORATION
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ATLANTA, GA (August 31, 2000) -- Deere & Company and XATA Corporation
said today that they have agreed to an equity investment by the John Deere
Special Technologies Group in XATA Corporation, a leading provider of onboard
technology for the fleet trucking industry.
This investment supports John Deere Special Technology Group's strategy
to provide advanced technology and services to John Deere's traditional
customers as well as to new markets. Deere will invest $3.1 million to purchase
a 14.8 percent ownership stake in XATA.
"XATA enables John Deere to expand and enhance its technology offerings
to its core customers," said Charles Stamp, Jr., president of John Deere's
Special Technologies Group. "It also lets us participate in other high growth
technology-demanding markets."
"This partnership will allow us to effectively launch our next
generation of mobile solutions and to penetrate new markets with our
industry-leading applications," said Bill Flies, chief technical officer of
XATA. "In addition, the John Deere Special Technologies Group and XATA can
leverage each other's leading technologies and reputations in their respective
markets."
(MORE)
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EXHIBIT 99.1
JOHN DEERE SPECIAL TECHNOLOGIES GROUP INVESTS IN XATA CORPORATION, PAGE 2
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The John Deere Special Technologies Group offers a wide range of
electronic, wireless communications, information management and Internet-related
products and services to a broad range of customers and markets.
XATA Corporation, a Minnesota-based company, is the leading provider of
onboard technology to the transportation industry. Founded in 1985, XATA has
over 450 fleets using its systems and more than 25,000 units installed.
XATA ONBOARD is the most powerful, advanced, yet user-friendly onboard
computer system on the market. XATA ONBOARD seamlessly combines onboard
computing, real-time communications, global positioning and fleet management
software to provide an enterprise-wide logistics management solution for
America's largest fleets.
John Deere Special Technologies Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Deere & Company, the world's premiere producer of agricultural equipment; a
leading manufacturer of construction, forestry, commercial and consumer
equipment; and a business leader in parts, engines, financial services and
special technologies.
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