Florian Schneider has announced that he has quit the band.

Schneider, one of just two remaining original members, has announced the end of his 40-year partnership with co-founder Ralf HГјtter. The pioneering German electronic band revealed the news on their website last night.

No reason for the departure was given, but it is likely that Schneider will now focus on solo projects.

The band originally started off as a two-piece in the early 1970s, but expanded to four members over the years.

They have been actively touring in recent years, playing major festivals such as Arena Muzika 2005 in SofiaВ and California's Coachella Festival in 2008.

Kraftwerk are still scheduled to join Radiohead on their upcoming tour of Central and South America, beginning in March 2009.

Last year, Schneider was replaced onstage by Stefan Pfaffe. The group also includes Fritz Hilpert and Henning Schmitz.

The tour dates are:

Mexico City, Mexico Foro Sol (March 15, 16)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Praca Da Apoteose (20)
SГЈo Paulo, Brazil ChГЎcara Do Jockey (22)
Buenos Aires, Argentina Club Ciudad (24)
Santiago, Chile San Carlos de Apoquindo Stadium (26, 27)