The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Rainer Thieme Appointed Chairman of ZF Supervisory Board

Former Chairman of Karmann Replaces Current Chairman of the ZF Friedrichshafen AG Supervisory Board, Dr. Wolf Hartmut Prellwitz, Who Leaves the Post for Health Reasons

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany, Oct. 27 -- Rainer Thieme, 66, former chairman of automotive supplier Wilhelm Karmann GmbH will assume the position of chairman of the supervisory board of ZF Friedrichshafen AG, effective immediately. Thieme has been a member of the supervisory board since April 2003.

Dr. Wolf Hartmut Prellwitz, who has held the position of chairman since May 2003, is leaving the position but will remain a member of the supervisory board.

Thieme has a great reputation within the industry and is considered a key representative of the automotive supplier segment. After a long and successful career with the Keiper Recaro Group, Thieme was appointed chairman of the management board in 1979, before moving to Karmann in 1987. In 1990, he became chairman of the management board. During his 15 years at Karmann, Thieme shaped the future of the traditional company both economically and technologically.

Prellwitz, former chairman of the management board of IWKA AG, a group of 90 mid-sized companies, has been chairman of the ZF supervisory board since May 2003, and a member of the supervisory board since June 1998. During that time he closely followed the strategy of the management board with personal engagement.

ZF Friedrichshafen AG is a leading worldwide supplier of driveline and chassis technology. Headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany, ZF is among the 15 largest automotive suppliers in the world. The company has a total workforce of 53,500 at 119 locations in 25 countries, and combined revenues for the group totaled more than $10 billion in 2003.

ZF operates a large manufacturing network in North America, combined with global research and development capabilities, to provide advanced technology to the region. The ZF Group North American Operations Technical Center is located in Northville, Michigan.