PARIS -- Equant (NYSE: ENT) (Euronext Paris: EQU), an industry leader in global IP and data services for multinational businesses, will provide a customized IP VPN solution to interconnect more than 20 offices in 12 countries for Ficosa International. Ficosa is the Spanish leader in designing and manufacturing components and high technology systems for the automotive industry.Under the four-year agreement, Equant will be the exclusive network services provider for Ficosa, supplying a wide portfolio of managed services through Equant IP VPN. Equant IP VPN combines data and voice communications on a single, cost-effective IP connection. The network will connect Ficosa's employees, customers, partners and suppliers, providing both direct and dial-up access to applications including those for back-office activities, production management and e-mail via Lotus Notes. In the future, Ficosa will have access to European Automotive Network Exchange (ENX) through the Equant IP VPN connection. Equant IP VPN will enable Ficosa to service its customers more effectively in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the U.S. By bringing Ficosa's design teams, researchers and customers closer together throughout the supply chain, new and innovative designs can quickly be incorporated into cars improving motor safety, reducing costs and enhancing the driving experience."Ficosa is made up of more than 30 companies on three continents that rquire a highly flexible, secure network," said Detlef Spang, head of Markets and Sales for Western Europe, Equant. "With Equant IP VPN, Ficosa will have any-to-any connectivity which easily supports expansion and other organizational changes, as well as the benefit of traffic prioritization to ensure that the network is meeting its communications needs."Equant