Auto Supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG Announces Financials For 2000 and First Quarter 2001

    FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany, April 25 ZF Friedrichshafen AG
(ZF), the world's largest independent supplier of transmission and chassis
technology, reported continued growth during 2000 and the first quarter of
2001.
    ZF announced that total worldwide sales had increased by 23 percent to $7
billion worldwide and that the company's workforce increased by nine percent
to more than 37,000.
    In addition, ZF invested its highest figure ever, $432 million worldwide
-- six percent of company sales -- in plants and facilities for the expansion
of
research and development activities.
    One quarter of the company's sales ($1.8 billion) came from North American
operations -- an increase of 47 percent over 1999.  Sales in Asia and South
America saw increases of 51 and 44 percent, respectively.
    "During the past few years, ZF has significantly expanded its global
presence and it is paying huge dividends," said ZF Chief Executive Officer,
Dr. Klaus Bleyer.  "In addition to the high motivation and service goals of
our workforce, our secure international market position and favorable overall
trend in the world economy helped deliver the satisfying increases this past
financial year."
    The first quarter of 2001 saw significant increases as well, with global
sales totaling $1.9 billion, an increase of 14 percent over 2000.  The
workforce increased by six percent, bringing the total of ZF worldwide
employees to more than 37,000.
    Despite the economic downturn in the automotive industry, ZF anticipates
an overall increase of 10 percent in 2001, due to expansion in the Asian and
South American markets and investment in development capacities, product
innovation and E-business initiatives.
    "Though a slower growth rate is anticipated, ZF will continue to drive
forward the development of its global presence, worldwide research and
development activities and the foundations of its technical leadership and
strong market position," Dr. Bleyer said.
    The global ZF Group, a leading automotive systems supplier of driveline
technology, steering and suspension components, is headquartered in
Friedrichshafen, Germany.  It employs more than 37,000 people worldwide and
operates 60 facilities in 17 countries.  In 2000, the ZF Group posted
worldwide
sales of $7 billion.  With sales of $1.6 billion in 1999 and sales of $1.8
billion in 2000, the ZF Group in NAFTA expects annual sales of over $2 billion
by the year 2002.  ZF Group North American Operations is headquartered in
Cincinnati, Ohio and operates 17 production sites in the NAFTA region.

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