OSRAM Opto Semiconductors Provides Stylish Lighting Solution in New 2004 Aston Martin DB9 Model

SAN JOSE, Calif.--May 1, 20041, 2004--

Car's Tail Light Features Revolutionary Thin-film Technology to Achieve New Standard in Lighting Efficiency

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors today announced that its Power TOPLED(R) light-emitting diode (LED) device was selected as the basis for the new 2004 Aston Martin DB9 model's innovative tail lamp design. The design takes advantage of a patent-pending optical solution where red and yellow LEDs indirectly illuminate the tail lamp lens to achieve a revolutionary and stylish appearance. The design also incorporates OSRAM's patented proprietary Thin-film chip technology to increase energy efficiency. Premiering at the New York City Auto Show, the model-year (MY) 2004 Aston Martin DB9 will be available to the public in summer 2004.

"We are incredibly proud and excited to see our TOPLEDs becoming a new lighting standard in the leading-edge, 2004 Aston Martin DB9," said Tom Shottes, president and chief executive officer, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors Inc. "We're pleased to provide the technology behind this new design feature that not only is pleasing to the eye but also increases the safety benefits to the driver."

The Aston Martin DB9 will feature both red and yellow LEDs in multi-function lamps to achieve stop, tail, turn and ECE (European) rear fog functions. This functionality will enable numerous reliability and safety benefits over conventional tail lamps. The selected red LEDs contain OSRAM's innovative, indium gallium aluminium, phosphate-based (InGaAlP) Thin-film technology, which makes it possible to achieve an unmatched 34 lumens/watt energy efficiency and offers drivers improved braking ability at a distance of 20 feet when travelling at 60 miles per hour. The "world lamp" is compliant with both FMVSS (U.S.) and ECE standards.

Unlike previous solutions, OSRAM's Power TOPLEDs have a lifetime expectance that exceeds the normal lifetime of the vehicle. The lamp is designed to be non-serviceable, and no bulb replacement access is necessary in the tail-lamp area. This innovation enables automotive designers to make better use of precious space in the rear of the vehicle. This is the first automotive tail lamp designed in North America that has OSRAM's LEDs mounted on a flex-on aluminum substrate, a key component in driving and disseminating system heat.

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors' LEDs are increasingly sought-after components in automotive design, as they offer a unique opportunity to re-think interior and exterior vehicle lighting features.

About OSRAM Opto Semiconductors

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH of Regensburg, is a wholly owned subsidiary of OSRAM, one of the world's three largest lamp manufacturers, and offers its customers a range of solutions based on semiconductor technology for lighting, sensor and visualization applications. The company operates facilities in Regensburg (Germany), San Jose (USA) and Penang (Malaysia). In the 2003 fiscal year (to the end of September), its 3,300 employees produced sales totaling EURO 392 million. Further information is available at www.osram-os.com.

TOPLED and Power TOPLED are registered trademarks of OSRAM Opto Semiconductors Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. OS PR233