Roche Putting the Brakes on Greenhouse Gas Emissions with Hybrid Car Pilot Study

NUTLEY, N.J., Sept. 28 -- Today, Roche announced plans to drive full speed toward efforts to improve the environment. As part of the company's commitment to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent over the next five years, Roche is integrating Toyota Prius and Ford Escape hybrid vehicles into its pharmaceutical sales fleet. This initiative is also an ongoing attempt to continually improve business practices. Initially, 20 sales representatives are involved in the pilot program.

These vehicles are expected to emit up to 97 percent fewer hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen than vehicles that currently meet today's nationwide Tier I standards. In addition these vehicles will significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, a known greenhouse gas.

"Roche is committed to seeking innovative solutions to the challenge of improving the environment from all aspects of our operations, and we look for ways to preserve the planet and reduce emissions," said Jack Kace, Vice President, Corporate Environmental & Safety Affairs. "We plan to continue to add hybrids and other fuel efficient vehicles into the 1,400 car sales force and eventually replace our entire fleet."

The majority of scientists studying the effects of automobile emissions believe that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases are contributing to global warming which could result in problems including more severe weather events like tornadoes, droughts and winter storms, more forest fires and damage to water resources.

The Prius is one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market due to its aerodynamic shape and Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. The 2004 Prius has an EPA-estimated combined city/highway average of 55 miles per gallon and a tank size of about 12 gallons. The Escape hybrid is expected to provide 35-40 miles per gallon in the city on a 16.5 gallon tank.

"The hybrid car initiative demonstrates Roche's commitment to corporate social responsibility," said John Mizroch, President & CEO, World Environment Center. "This is the kind of leadership activity that many corporations in America should consider."

Roche has been active in instituting environmentally friendly programs for years, including using recycled products and recycling appropriate materials. In addition, the company sponsors sustainability and energy awareness days to encourage all employees to be environmentally responsible. Roche Corporate Environmental & Safety Affairs (CESA) has recently joined forces with the EPA Climate Leaders Program. Climate Leaders is a voluntary industry-government partnership that encourages companies to develop long-term comprehensive climate change strategies and set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals.

About Roche

Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. (Roche), based in Nutley, N.J., is the U.S. prescription drug unit of the Roche Group, a leading research-based health care enterprise that ranks among the world's leaders in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Roche discovers, develops, manufactures and markets numerous important prescription drugs that enhance people's health, well-being and quality of life. Among the company's areas of therapeutic interest are: dermatology; genitourinary disease; infectious diseases, including influenza; inflammation, including arthritis and osteoporosis; metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes; neurology; oncology; transplantation; vascular diseases; and virology, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. For more information on the Roche pharmaceuticals business in the United States, visit the company's web site at: http://www.rocheusa.com/.