Marsiglio Leaves VDO North America

    DETROIT, Feb. 13 Ronald L. Marsiglio, President and Chief
Executive Officer of VDO North America LLC, said today that he is leaving his
position to undertake new opportunities.  His move is in anticipation of the
merger of the VDO North America into North American operations of SiemensVDO
Automotive AG.  This is part of the global merger of Mannesmann VDO AG with
the Siemens Automotive group to form SiemensVDO Automotive AG.  Globally,
SiemensVDO Automotive will have sales close to $8 billion.
    SiemensVDO Automotive will have a major presence in North America that
will be headed by John Sanderson, who has been named as Chief Executive of the
US affiliate.  SiemensVDO Automotive will have sales of more than $1.5 billion
in North America.  In announcing his plans, Mr. Marsiglio said, "The new
SiemensVDO Automotive will be a very strong competitor globally and in North
America.  I wish John Sanderson and his team the best for the future, and I
look forward to seeing the company grow and prosper.  Likewise, I wish all my
colleagues at VDO North America great success with the new company.  I believe
that being part of SiemensVDO Automotive offers great opportunities for our
excellent employees."
    Mr. Marsiglio played a major role in the growth of VDO North America,
which has gone through major changes over the last several years.  He was
appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of VDO North America when it
consolidated the operations of VDO Control Systems, Inc. in January 1999.  He
had been President and CEO of VDO Control Systems that was established when
VDO acquired Philips Automotive Electronics, a division of Philips Electronics
North America in 1998.
    Under his leadership, VDO North America more than doubled its revenues.
It established itself as a major competitor in the North American automotive
market for such emerging technologies as electronic throttle control, fuel
modules and instrumentation and navigation systems.
    Mr. Johann Loettner, Vice Chairman of VDO AG and designated Vice Chairman
of Siemens VDO Automotive AG, said, "Ron has made a major contribution to the
growth of VDO's presence in North America.  He demonstrated real abilities to
grow a team-oriented and customer-focused culture in a situation that was
extremely difficult.  I know I speak for both companies in wishing him the
very best in his future endeavors."
    Until the merger is completed, Helmut Fleischer as Chairman of the Board
will head VDO North America.  He will act as President and Chief Executive
Officer.