German Technology Resources Play Key Role In Development of Lear Corporation Intertronics(TM) Systems

    FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 12 Lear Corporation
today announced the selection of Allershausen, Germany, in the state of
Bavaria, as the location for an all-new technology center focused on creating
innovative automotive interior seating and electronics products for the
European vehicle market.
    The company is also showcasing a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) at
this year's Frankfurt/IAA Auto Show developed by Ludwigsburg-based Beru AG,
Lear's strategic partner.  The TPMS electronically monitors tire inflation
pressure and warns drivers when tire pressure drops, using radio frequency
signals conveyed through Lear's Remote Keyless Entry System architecture.
    The alliance with Beru and the establishment of a new technology center in
Allershausen demonstrate Lear's awareness of Germany's importance as a rich
source of advanced technology and its strategic location to Lear's European
customers.  These moves also highlight the company's strong emphasis on
Intertronics, Lear's unique ability to integrate electronics into vehicle
interior systems.
    "These initiatives show our strong commitment to grow our business
internally here in Germany, across Europe and around the world," said Bob
Rossiter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lear.  "The ideal way to
increase revenue in this industry, where knowledge of both the customer and
the consumer is essential, is to provide automotive buyers with the 'must
have' features shown in our current Intertronics product range."
    The new 7,000-square-meter Allershausen technology center represents
Lear's third investment in Bavaria in the past year, and will allow the
company to consolidate its European engineering efforts in one location to
optimize the automotive interior development process.  The site will focus on
innovative seat design, ergonomics, material selection and electronics
integration, and will also include a state-of-the-art robotics test facility,
the first of its kind for Lear in Germany, as well as a crash sled, climate
chamber and shaker table.
    Other recent Lear additions in the region include a state-of-the-art
automotive electronics manufacturing facility with just-in-time/sequencing
capabilities that also houses a technology center located in Kronach that
employs 325 people, and an assembly plant in Zwiesel that has 62 workers.
    Lear's new technology centers in Kronach and Allershausen, along with
existing facilities in Ebersberg as well as Valls, Spain, are also designed to
facilitate close and timely communication with universities, academic
institutions and other major technology resources to fuel the company's
ongoing mutual research efforts.  A prime example of these efforts is Lear's
strategic partnership with Beru that focuses on the joint design and
development of TPMS products for the global automotive market.
    Just months following the announcement of the joint venture between Lear
and Beru, engineers from both companies have co-developed Generation II, the
next iteration of TPMS.  The new design will deliver improved performance at a
lower cost and can be customized to meet different vehicle applications and
customer requirements.  Prototypes are expected to be available later this
year.
    Beru AG is the leading manufacturer of diesel cold-start technology, one
of the four major players in Europe.  The company has been strongly expanding
its business in the development and production of car electronics and sensor-
based automotive systems.  Information about Beru and its products is
available on the Internet at http://www.beru.com .
    Lear Corporation, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Southfield,
Mich., USA, focuses on automotive interior systems and is the world's fifth-
largest automotive supplier.  Sales in 2000 were $14.1 billion.  The company's
world-class products are designed, engineered and manufactured by over 100,000
employees in more than 300 facilities located in 33 countries.  Information
about Lear and its products is available on the Internet at http://www.lear.com .

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