SikaReinforcer from Sika Automotive Improves Side Impact Performance

New Side Impact Crash Test Ratings Can Influence Consumer Purchase

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., July 22 -- In recent months, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has implemented testing and rating vehicles with its new side impact crash test. The new test ratings are expected to influence consumer purchase decisions and encourage auto manufacturers to improve side impact structural performance just as they upgraded protection for frontal crashes. Sika Automotive's SikaReinforcer(R) offers a cost-effective, high-performance solution for automakers looking to improve occupant safety in side impacts.

SikaReinforcer(R) can improve occupant safety, reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and reduce metal fatigue. SikaReinforcer(R) is a thermoset, epoxy-based material developed to provide improved stiffness to hollow metal body structure sections. This product is injection moldable and non-tacky for ease of handling and installation. Because SikaReinforcer(R) can be injection molded, complex three-dimensional parts can be produced and implemented very quickly. The performance of these parts is evaluated based on a series of experimental tests performed to best correlate to actual operating conditions. With Sika's ability to simulate and model structural applications of SikaReinforcer(R), Sika provides an optimized solution that offers Sika customers increased vehicle crash performance, reduced mass as compared to alternative solutions and speed to market.

Sika Automotive, based in Madison Heights, MI, a division of Sika Corporation, is an industry leader in the development and production of high performance acoustic, bonding, reinforcing and sealing systems. Sika Automotive provides automobile manufacturers with proven material, application engineering and validation expertise to improve interior sound quality and structural performance in vehicles worldwide. Sika Automotive optimizes cost- effective, complete solutions in its dedicated, state of the art, Acoustic Test Facility, located in Madison Heights, MI. Visit the Sika Automotive website www.sika-automotive.com .

Sika Corporation is a supplier of specialty chemical products and industrial materials serving construction and industrial markets including transportation, marine, and automotive. Sika Corporation is a subsidiary of Sika AG, Baar, Switzerland. Sika has annual sales of approximately US$1.5 billion (CHF 2.1 billion), over 8,500 employees and operations in more than 64 countries. Visit the Sika website at www.sika.com .