News

KYOCERA Opens International R&D Center in San Diego for Advanced Wireless Technologies

(NYSE symbol: KYO)

SAN DIEGO -- (December 16, 2003) -- As part of a strategy to integrate KYOCERA's global research and development activities for wireless technologies and applications, KYOCERA International, Inc. (KII), the North American headquarters and holding company for Kyoto, Japan-based KYOCERA Corporation (KC), today announced the formation of KYOCERA Telecommunications Research Corporation (KTRC).

KTRC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of KII, will become a key resource for KYOCERA's global R&D efforts in wireless telecommunications technologies. The new company is headquartered in the San Diego facilities of KYOCERA Wireless Corp. (KWC), a separate KII subsidiary that manufactures wireless phones and modules, and will have a satellite office in San Jose, Calif. KTRC's initial work force includes approximately 35 engineers and researchers transferred primarily from KWC's existing core technology group, with additional technological expertise transferred from KC.

The formation of KTRC supports KYOCERA's strategy of integrating its wireless R&D efforts to better leverage technology advances throughout its global network of telecommunications enterprises. In addition to KWC in San Diego and KC in Japan, these enterprises include operations in Zhenhua, China; Bangalore, India; and an ownership stake in carrier KDDI Corporation of Japan. By integrating resources and promoting synergies, KTRC will allow these enterprises to bring innovative wireless applications and technologies to market faster and with greater efficiency.

"Establishing a separate, consolidated entity to focus on technological research demonstrates Kyocera's commitment to lead the wireless industry through the deployment of emerging technologies," said KC President Yasuo Nishiguchi. "The results will be evidenced by an expanded portfolio of cutting-edge products and technologies supporting profit-generating applications for our carrier customers."

Akihiko Endo has been named as president of KTRC. Since 1981, Endo has worked with KYOCERA's RF engineering group in Japan, where his early responsibilities included development of cordless phones, GPS receivers and cell phones (both TDMA and GSM). Since 1996, Endo has spearheaded the group's development of CDMA phones and 1x EV-DO initiatives.

"With telecommunication networks expanding globally, KYOCERA's move to consolidate its telecom R&D efforts can only strengthen the company's ability to deliver the highest quality wireless devices and technology platforms to the market," Endo stated.

"We have a great marriage," concluded KII President Rodney Lanthorne. "San Diego is a global center for mobile telecommunications research, as well as the hub for KYOCERA's North American operations."

About KYOCERA
KYOCERA International, Inc. (KII) is the North American headquarters and holding company for Kyoto, Japan-based KYOCERA Corporation (KC).

KYOCERA Wireless Corp. (KWC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of KII, which acquired QUALCOMM Incorporated's CDMA consumer wireless phone business in February 2000. KWC is a leading supplier of innovative, feature-rich CDMA handsets and accessories for customers worldwide. Based in San Diego, the company is ISO-14001 and ISO-9001 certified and has won city, state and federal awards for its environmentally friendly manufacturing and recycling practices. For more information, please visit www.kyocera-wireless.com.

KYOCERA Corporation (KC), parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of advanced ceramics. By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of telecommunications equipment, semiconductor packages, electronic components, cameras, laser printers, copiers, solar energy systems and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2003, Kyocera Corporation's consolidated net sales totaled approximately US$9 billion (JP¥ 1,069,770 million) with net income of approximately US$348 million (JP¥ 41,165 million).

Copyright 2003 by KYOCERA International, Inc. KYOCERA is a registered trademark of KYOCERA Corp. All other trademarks and product names are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACTS:
Jay Scovie, KYOCERA International, Inc.
Phone: 1-(858) 576-2674
e-mail: jay.scovie@kyocera.com

Mary Palmer, KYOCERA Wireless Corp.
Phone: 1-(858) 248-1826
e-mail: mpalmer@kyocera-wireless.com