Momentive Performance Materials Collaborates with Sumitomo Rubber Industries On Development of New ENASAVE PREMIUM AAA/c Rated Eco Tire

ALBANY, NY--Jan 1, 2012: Momentive Performance Materials Inc., a leading global provider of silicones and advanced materials, announced its collaboration with Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., one of the world's largest manufacturers of tires and other rubber-based products, on the development of ENASAVE PREMIUM tire, which earned the highest rating (AAA) for rolling resistance under Japan Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association's (JATMA) labeling system. Launched at the Tokyo Motor Show, December 2-11, 2011, ENASAVE PREMIUM is the flagship tire in the top-selling ENASAVE fuel-efficient tire series.

“Our ENASAVE PREMIUM tire proves that with the right technology, it is possible to achieve key environmental, safety and performance attributes in one product”

ENASAVE PREMIUM is the world's first tire to use Momentive's NXT Z 45 silane, a coupling agent for silica-based tire tread compound and an excellent candidate to consider for improved dynamic and physical properties, including rolling resistance and wet traction. The new silane can virtually eliminate the ethanol that is released during the manufacturing and use of silica tires.

Momentive's NXT* silane technology can help save energy, increase manufacturing efficiency and improve automotive safety. Tires with silica-based tire tread compounds manufactured using NXT silane offer improved dynamic and physical properties, including reduced rolling resistance, which improves gas mileage and reduces CO₂ tailpipe emissions, and improved wet traction, which helps cars stop more quickly and safely. In addition, energy consumption can be reduced through lower silane use levels and improved processing. NXT silane is also higher in renewable materials content than standard silanes.

”Our ENASAVE PREMIUM tire proves that with the right technology, it is possible to achieve key environmental, safety and performance attributes in one product,” said Ikuji Ikeda, President, Sumitomo Rubber Industries. According to a press release from Sumitomo Rubber, NXT Z 45 silane plays an important role in the enhanced performance properties of the ENASAVE PREMIUM tire, and Sumitomo Rubber was fortunate to have the ideal collaboration with Momentive to help them bring this important new product from concept to market.

“We have been building the NXT silane technology platform for tire performance improvement for more than a decade," said Mike Stout, Global Marketing Director, Tire and Rubber, Momentive Performance Materials. “Sumitomo Rubber's exciting ENASAVE initiative brought together two leaders in their respective fields, each with a long history of innovation and market firsts and a deep commitment to sustainability. We take pride in using our technical resources to develop products that perform well while making a sustainable difference. Our work with Sumitomo Rubber has been especially gratifying in this way.”

Credited with producing Japan's first automotive tire in 1913, Sumitomo Rubber is an innovator in tire technology and recipient of the industry's prestigious Environmental Achievement of the Year award for its work in the development of fossil resource-free tires.

Leveraging both 60 years of experience working with tire manufacturers and a state-of-the-art, 20,000-square-foot tire application lab, award-winning Momentive Performance Materials helps customers streamline manufacturing and sustainably improve performance characteristics.

About Momentive Performance Materials Inc.

Momentive Performance Materials Inc. is a global leader in silicones and advanced materials, with a 70+ year heritage of being first to market with performance applications for major industries that support and improve everyday life. The company delivers science-based solutions, by linking custom technology platforms to opportunities for customers. Momentive Performance Materials Inc. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Momentive Performance Materials Holdings LLC. Additional information is available at Momentive.

About the New Momentive

Momentive Performance Materials Holdings LLC is the ultimate parent company of Momentive Performance Materials Inc. and Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc. (collectively, the 'new Momentive'). The new Momentive is a global leader in specialty chemicals and materials, with a broad range of advanced specialty products that help industrial and consumer companies support and improve everyday life. The company uses its technology portfolio to deliver tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of its customers around the world. The new Momentive was formed in 2010 through the combination of entities that indirectly owned Momentive Performance Materials Inc. and Hexion Specialty Chemicals Inc. The company is controlled by investment funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management, LLC.