MANN+HUMMEL Produces World's First Plastic Oil Module

LUDWIGSBURG, Germany, Aug. 6, 2003 -- MANN+HUMMEL, a major automotive parts supplier, has begun production on the first oil module in the world with a completely plastic housing.

The plastic oil module, which is produced for Audi AG, provides a number of technical and economic advantages, including a weight savings of over 10 ounces compared to its aluminum counterpart. The module also offers a cost savings as the raw material price of polyamide PA66, GF35 is lower than that of aluminum.

Tooling for the part offers yet another significant cost advantage. Tooling for a cast aluminum housing can produce approximately 100,000 to 150,000 molds before a new tool is needed, while the tooling for a plastic housing can yield over one-million parts.

The plastic oil module recently received the top award for innovation from the Society of Plastic Engineers Central Europe. MANN+HUMMEL also received two other awards for innovation for its plastic intake manifold for the Audi A4 as well as a styling cover with an integrated air cleaner for DaimlerChrysler's Maybach.

"The plastic oil module has been very well received by North American OEM's," said Thomas Petschl, business development manager for liquid filtration at MANN+HUMMEL USA, INC. "The innovation and savings offered by the module are appealing to our customers and we expect a number of inquiries for North American applications."

The module is produced at the company's facility in Ludwigsburg, Germany and features several integrated functions including a crankcase ventilation system, oil cooler, oil pressure sensor and pressure regulator valve.

With the success of the plastic oil module, MANN+HUMMEL has already been awarded three follow-up projects from the Volkswagen Group.

About MANN+HUMMEL

The MANN+HUMMEL Group is an international company. In 2002, the company achieved sales of $1.1 billion. The MANN+HUMMEL Group currently employs around 8,800 people at 41 locations worldwide. The company develops, produces and sells technically complex automotive components such as air filter systems, intake manifold systems, liquid filter systems and cabin filters for the automotive industry, and filter elements for vehicle servicing and repair. For general engineering, process engineering and industrial manufacturing sectors the company's product range includes industrial filters, filter systems, and materials handling systems and equipment. MANN+HUMMEL's customers come from a large number of sectors, with series production for the automotive industry occupying a key position. Further information about MANN+HUMMEL can be found under http://www.mann-hummel.com/ .