KONE Introduces the World's Flattest Technology for Autowalks -- First InnoTrack(TM) Units to Be Installed at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

KONE Introduces the World's Flattest Technology for Autowalks -- First InnoTrack(TM) Units to Be Installed at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

October 26, 2006

    ESPOO, Finland, Oct. 26 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- KONE has
developed the world's flattest autowalk technology, which
makes designing locations for and installing autowalks
considerably easier. Due to the innovative pallet return
mechanism and a new kind of motor solution, each KONE
InnoTrack(TM) autowalk is so flat that, unlike conventional
solutions, it can be installed entirely on the floor level.
 
    The first six KONE InnoTrack(TM) autowalks will be
installed in Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, one of the world's
most modern airports with advanced systems for efficient
people flow management. The new autowalks will be installed
in the expanded terminal B in April 2007.

    "KONE InnoTrack is a breakthrough innovation in
the escalator business. The modular-based flat technology
platform and the reinstallation possibility enable the use
of InnoTracks also in buildings and premises in which
autowalks have not been used before. An InnoTrack can be
installed without changes in the floor structure, which
enables the easy installation of InnoTracks in both
existing and new buildings. These features make InnoTrack a
solution for a wide range of different locations and
premises with a need for efficient traffic flow," says
Heikki Leppanen, EVP, New Elevators and Escalators.

    Autowalks utilizing the KONE InnoTrack(TM) technology
weigh significantly less than conventional autowalks. As a
result of their modular design, they can be delivered to
the installation site in parts. Moreover, the installation
method makes it possible to easily alter the size and
location of each autowalk, giving greater lifetime
flexibility. The new technology will allow more efficient
and flexible use of space, and will give greater
architectural freedom in designing buildings. Due to its
flat and light structure, a KONE InnoTrack(TM) autowalk can
also be installed in upper floors of existing buildings
without changes in the floor structure.     

    The distinguishing features of the new KONE
InnoTrack(TM) autowalk technology are that the pallets
arriving at the end of the autowalk are lowered to return
tracks placed just under the walking level, and that the
motor is located inside the autowalk balustrade. In
contrast, the motor, drive system and pallet return tracks
of conventional autowalks are located in a pit up to one
meter below the floor level. 

    Due to these new properties, the KONE InnoTrack(TM)
autowalk reduces architectural design and installation
costs. The savings in the planning and installation phase
can even exceed the acquisition cost of the autowalk. The
equipment's optimized maintenance program also minimizes
stoppages and ensures reliable operation throughout its
lifetime.

    KONE InnoTrack(TM) is environmentally friendly because
of its oil-free drive system and pallet chain and the fact
that it uses significantly less material than traditional
solutions. The new technology utilizes the KONE
PowerDisc(TM) machinery, which has proven itself as a
reliable and energy-efficient solution in KONE's
elevators.

    Autowalks are mainly used for heavy-duty transportation
needs at airports, railway stations, commercial buildings
and other crossover points between different forms of
public transportation. 

    The new order strengthens KONE's long-term and
successful collaboration with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol,
which dates back to the early 1960s.  

    Web Cast and Conference Call

    A live web cast and conference call of the press event,
conducted in English, can be followed on the company website
http://www.kone.com/innotrack at 12:00 p.m. CET. 

    For more information about the KONE InnoTrack(TM)
technology please visit http://www.kone.com/innotrack .

    Amsterdam Airport Schiphol served 44.2 million
passengers and handled over 1.4 million tonnes of cargo in
2005, ranking as Europe's fourth-largest passenger and
third-largest cargo airport. Around 90 scheduled airlines
operate flight services from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to
some 250 destinations worldwide. The airport thus ranks as
one of Europe's four major hubs. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
is a major driver of the regional Dutch economy generating
on-airport jobs for 58,000 people as of the end of October
2005.  

    KONE is one of the world's leading elevator and
escalator companies. It provides its customers with
industry-leading elevators and escalators and innovative
solutions for their maintenance and modernization. KONE
also provides maintenance of automatic building doors. In
2005, KONE had annual net sales of EUR 3.2 billion and
about 27,000 employees. Its class B shares are listed on
the Helsinki Stock Exchange.

    http://www.kone.com 
 
    For more information, please contact:

     Matti Hyytiainen
     SVP, 
     New Escalators
     Tel: [phone]

SOURCE  KONE Corporation