Plastic Omnium - Consolidated First-Quarter 2003 Sales Up 8.3% at Constant Exchange Rates

PARIS, April 29 -- Compagnie Plastic Omnium's (Euroclear: 12457.PA, Bloomberg: POM@FP, Reuters: PLOF.PA) consolidated sales rose by 8.3% at constant exchange rates in the three months that ended March 31, 2003. One-third of sales are generated in North America, and the 20% decline in the dollar against the euro for the period resulted in a negative translation effect that reduced consolidated sales by euro37 million.

At current exchange rates, reported first-quarter sales totaled euro405.5 million, down 0.8% from the prior-year period.

   In euro millions    March 31,     March 31,    % change       At constant
   by business            2002          2003                      exchange
                                                                   rates

   Plastic Omnium         179.3        186.8        +4.2%           +12.8%
   Auto Exterior
   Inergy Automotive      149.8        140.5        -6.2%            +5.9%
   Systems
   Plastic Omnium         329.1        327.3        -0.5%            +9.7%
   Automobile
   Plastic Omnium          44.9         48.1        +7.1%            +8.5%
   Environment
   Performance             27.2         23.2       -14.7%            -3.7%
   Plastics
   Products-3P
   Plastic Omnium           7.7          6.9       -10.4%           -10.4%
   Medical
   Consolidated
    sales                 408.9        405.5        -0.8%            +8.3%

   In euro millions    March 31,     March 31,    % change       At constant
    and as a              2002          2003                       exchange
    percentage of                                                    rates
    sales by region
     France              133.5         128.6        -3.7%            -3.7%
                           33%           32%
   Europe (excluding
     France)             121.5         143.1       +17.8%           +20.6%
                           30%           35%
   North America         138.7         113.1       -18.5%            +3.6%
                           34%           28%
         Other            15.2          20.7       +36.2%           +57.3%
                            3%            5%
   Consolidated          408.9         405.5        -0.8%            +8.3%
      sales               100%          100%

In line with forecasts, sales of automotive components outperformed the market, rising by 9.7% at constant exchange rates. The increase was led by full ramp-up at the plants in Bratislava, Slovakia and the launch of a large number of new models. Both automotive businesses improved the balance in their product portfolio and enhanced their global presence.

Plastic Omnium Environment reported a 12% increase in sales at comparable scope of consolidation.

Performance Plastics Products - 3P, which continued to restructure during the period, was still faced with weak demand in its markets.

PLASTIC OMNIUM holds leadership positions in its four core businesses-Automotive Equipment (exterior components and fuel systems), Environment, Performance Plastics Products-3P and Medical-with operations in 25 countries on four continents. The Plastic Omnium share is listed on the Euronext Paris First Market and included in the SBF 250 index (Euroclear code: 12457)