Continental Teves and Bosch Join Together To Form Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Coalition

NEW YORK, Feb. 26 -- Continental Teves, a unit of Continental AG, and Robert Bosch Corp., the North American subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH, have joined together to form the Electronic Stability Control Coalition. The coalition has selected RFBinder Partners, a member of the Ruder Finn Group, to conduct a consumer public relations and marketing campaign designed to educate consumers about the safety benefits of electronic stability control (ESC) systems in passenger cars and light trucks. Electronic stability control refers to an active safety system that enhances vehicle stability in critical situations by analyzing the driver's intention and comparing it to what the car is actually doing.

Continental and Bosch have formed the Electronic Stability Control Coalition (ESCC) to promote the impact that ESC systems can have on improving the safety of automobiles. One of the key goals of the coalition is to inform consumers of the importance and benefits of ESC, a breakthrough in safety technology. The public education program will include the development of issues research, as well as the creation of broad-based grassroots programs, such as seminars and brochures.

RFBinder Partners, Inc. will assist the ESC Coalition in the development of the education awareness campaign, to encourage consumer groups, government and industry safety leaders to support the use of ESC by showcasing the various benefits the system offers.

"The ESC Coalition is an exciting step towards educating consumers about this true revolution in automotive safety technology," said Amy Binder, CEO of RFBinder Partners and Partner of the Ruder Finn Group. "This campaign will address consumers' need for clear and concise information on features that enable them to actively protect themselves."

The Electronic Stability Control Coalition will launch its campaign this month. The Coalition is committed to an ongoing effort. Other leading automotive safety suppliers have also expressed interest in joining the coalition.

About Continental Teves:

Continental Teves, headquartered in Frankfurt/Main Germany, is a unit of Continental AG, Hanover, Germany. With 2001 sales of approximately $10 billion (US), the Continental Corporation is a major supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical rubber products. Continental Teves' North American operation is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich. For additional information, visit these websites: http://www.conti-online.com/ and http://www.contitevesna.com/ .

About The Bosch Group:

The Bosch Group, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, serves customers in 130 countries in three business sectors: Automotive Technology, where Bosch is the world's second largest supplier, Industrial Technology and Consumer Goods and Building Technology. In 2002, worldwide sales were EUR 35 billion. In North America, Bosch manufactures automotive equipment, power tools, security systems, industrial technology, and household appliances. Bosch employs more than 27,000 associates in North America. For more information, visit http://www.boschusa.com/.