Freudenberg-NOK and Partners Awarded More Than 1,000 Patents in 2003

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Jan. 12, 2004 -- The global Freudenberg Group secured 1,222 patents for its products and technologies in 2003, bringing the Group's grand total to more than 11,000 patents. In fact, the Group is believed to hold more patents in automotive sealing and vibration control than any other supplier.

The Freudenberg Group -- which brings together Freudenberg & Co. of Germany, NOK Corp. of Japan and Freudenberg-NOK of North America -- has built a reputation on innovation and global technology sharing.

"Freudenberg-NOK and our global partners have dedicated ourselves to providing leading-edge technology that gives our customers the best solutions possible to win in the competitive automotive market," said Dr. Mohsen Sohi, president and CEO of Freudenberg-NOK. "This wealth of innovation recognized by these 1,200 patents further underscores Freudenberg-NOK's status as a 'Technology Specialist' that offers a specialized product focus, technical depth and the ability to provide innovative products to all levels of the supply chain.

"We are continually amazed by the creativity and innovation of our employees," he said. "Through their hard work, we continue to advance our competency and leadership in our field, allowing us to deliver world-class products to our customers."

Today, there are approximately 400 seals in the typical vehicle and Freudenberg-NOK can produce them all. This provides 400 opportunities for the company to generate more breakthrough ideas, Sohi said.

To further encourage its employees' quest for creative ideas and patent development, the company has implemented a patent recognition program. Employees are recognized for their accomplishments each year at an awards dinner. Some 35 Freudenberg-NOK associates were recognized at the 2003 event held recently.

Plymouth, Mich.-based Freudenberg-NOK is a leader in automotive sealing and vibration control products and a supplier to all automakers producing in North America as well as all major tier one chassis and drivetrain suppliers. With total annual sales of more than $7 billion and worldwide automotive sales of approximately $4 billion, the Freudenberg and NOK Group is one of the most globally balanced automotive suppliers.

Through a global network of facilities spanning 27 countries with some 25,000 automotive employees worldwide, the supplier group offers its automotive customers globally integrated products, including sealing packages for transmissions, engines, brakes, axles and steering, NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) components and packages, and all rubber, plastic and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) components for suspension, electrical and fuel systems.

The global Freudenberg and NOK Group also offers an extensive portfolio of special precision seals for the aerospace, appliance, business machine, fluid power, marine, medical, off-highway equipment and recreational vehicle markets. For more information, visit the Freudenberg-NOK web site at www.freudenberg-nok.com .