Kraftwerk co-founder 'quits band'

One of the two original co-founders of the pioneering German electronic group Kraftwerk has left the band, according to a post on its official fan website.

"Florian Schneider leaves Kraftwerk after a 40 years [sic] partnership with Ralf Hutter," the message reads.

The post continues: "This partnership has generated an incredible music [sic] and huge advances in music technology."

Founded in 1970, Kraftwerk are best known for their number one hit The Model and 22-minute track Autobahn.

Notoriously reclusive, the iconic band operate out of a Dusseldorf studio that is said to have no telephone, fax or reception.

Schneider's departure will not affect Kraftwerk's plans to support Radiohead in South America in March.

A concert in Australia last November was called off after another band member, Fritz Hilpert, reportedly suffered a heart attack.