Henkel Teams Up With University of Michigan Solar Car Program to Benefit Education, Environment

DETROIT, April 11 -- Raising the bar on innovation and environmental safety, Henkel announces its official sponsorship of Momentum, the University of Michigan's (U of M) eighth-generation solar car team.

Momentum is one of the most advanced, diverse and cohesive student projects undertaken at U of M. The goal is to design, finance, build and race the best solar-powered vehicle possible. As a sponsor, Henkel not only offers quality materials and financial backing, but also provides technical advice and product input as the team designs and assembles its racecar.

"We are proud to sponsor Momentum and support the educational and environmental values associated with solar cars," said Matthias Hofmann, vice president marketing and business development, Henkel. "By providing students with advanced technologies, we create an opportunity to learn more about environmentally conscious technologies and potentially new and unique applications."

In addition to being part of this technology driven team, sponsoring Momentum offers several benefits to Henkel. By working with these self- motivated individuals, Henkel is given the opportunity to form strong relationships with U of M students who have gained hands-on experience with Henkel products as they've built and designed an internationally recognized solar car. Upon leaving the university, these students will not only have the advantage of experience, but also will help to further advancements in the automotive industry.

"Working on the solar car has been a fantastic educational experience, perhaps the best of my college career," said Garrick Williams, aerospace engineer major, University of Michigan. "The opportunity to gain hands-on experience with advanced aerodynamics and cutting-edge materials is invaluable and will be a priceless asset throughout my future."

Aside from the knowledge and experience these students gain from their work on Momentum, the team receives industry leading materials from Henkel including:

-- Frekote(R) mold release: Applying Frekote to a tooling surface allows the easy removal of molded parts after they have cured. Frekote can release anything from simple rubber to intricate, polymer composite parts.

-- Duro(R) spray adhesive: This all-purpose adhesive is an acid-free, clear formula that works fast and bonds strong. The product can be used for both permanent and repositionable bonds.

-- Loctite(R) threadlockers: Applied prior to assembly, threadlockers prevent loosening under vibration or losing clamp load over time.

-- Loctite(R) Quick Set(R) Epoxy: This waterproof, high-strength adhesive sets in four to six minutes and is resistant to solvents, moisture and impact. This adhesive delivers outstanding results in bonding wood, metal, ceramic, glass, plastic and tile.

Momentum is designed to race in two different solar car races. The first is the North American Solar Challenge, July 17, 2005. This race is across the continental United States and is open to any North American college or university solar car team. The second is the Australian World Solar Challenge, September 25, 2005. This race is across the Outback and is open to any corporate, collegiate or private solar car team. Past victories in these races has established U of M at a level of excellence in solar car racing.

Henkel is the market leader in adhesives, sealants and surface treatments to the transportation industry. Backed by extensive design capabilities, a broad product range, specific application knowledge and technical expertise, the company delivers solutions to all segments of automotive development -- automotive body, interior, chassis, electronics and powertrain production. Through powerful brands like Autophoretic(R), Bonderite(R), Frekote(R), Loctite(R) and Multan(TM), Henkel provides significant economic and environmental advantages for today's vehicles, making them safer, more comfortable and extending vehicle value.

The Henkel Group operates in three strategic business areas: Home Care; Personal Care; and Adhesives, Sealants and Surface Treatments. The automotive group is an integral part of the Adhesives, Sealants and Surface Treatments business sector, which also serves the transportation, electronics, aerospace, metal, durable goods, consumer goods, maintenance and repair and packaging industries, and offers a broad range of products for the craftsman and consumer. With brands and advanced technologies, Henkel makes people's lives easier, better, and more beautiful. 50,000 employees work for the Henkel Group worldwide. People in 125 countries around the world trust in brands and technologies from Henkel - "A Brand like a Friend."