Kolbenschmidt Pierburg Key Supplier on Six of Ward's Ten Best Engines

DETROIT, Jan. 18, 2005 -- Advanced engine technology from Kolbenschmidt Pierburg appears on six of Ward's Top Ten Engines for 2005.

The award program, now a highly anticipated annual barometer of automotive engine development, is in its 11th year. Winning engines were announced in award ceremonies by the automotive trade publications last week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Kolbenschmidt Pierburg components on the Ten Best Engines include water pumps on Audi's 3.2L DOHC V-6 and 4.2L V-8 (in the A6 and S4); pistons on Ford's 4.6L V-8 (Mustang GT) and Nissan's 3.5L V-6 (Infiniti G35 Coupe); a magnesium intake manifold and secondary air system on the Audi 4.2L V-8 (S4); secondary air pumps and electronic throttle control on GM's Vortec 4.2L DOHC I-6 (Chevrolet Trailblazer), and an intake manifold on the Mercedes-Benz 3.2L DOHC I-6 CDI turbodiesel (Mercedes E320 CDI).

"We're providing the global leadership in technology that automakers need in their quest to create cleaner and more fuel efficient engines," notes Peter Hradowy, Kolbenschmidt Pierburg vice president of sales and engineering. "Our technology helps these engine makers meet the challenge to most efficiently move air and fluids throughout the system."

The Kolbenschmidt Pierburg engine components are sourced globally from Europe, Asia and North America. Pistons for the Ford and Nissan engines are produced by the company's Karl Schmidt Unisia division in the U.S. and Japan. Intake manifolds for the Audi and Mercedes engines are crafted by Pierburg operations in Germany.

The secondary air system on the Audi and GM engines are produced by Pierburg in the U.S. and Germany; the Pierburg electronic throttle control is produced for GM in the U.S., and water pumps, also from Pierburg, on the Audi engines are manufactured in Germany.

Kolbenschmidt Pierburg, a leading supplier of advanced powertrain technology that includes pistons, automotive oil and water pumps, electric throttle controls, bearings, secondary air systems and electric exhaust gas recirculation valves has three North American units -- Pierburg, Inc., Karl Schmidt Unisia, Inc. and KS Bearings, Inc. -- with production facilities in Fountain Inn, S.C.; Greensburg, Ind.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Marinette, Wis., and Leamington, Ontario. Its North American sales offices are in Southfield, Michigan.

Kolbenschmidt Pierburg AG is a subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG. The company has approximately 11,500 employees at its five automotive divisions. Global sales for its Aluminum Technology, Motor Parts, Pierburg GmbH, KS Pistons and KS Bearings divisions totaled nearly $2.1 billion in 2003. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://www.kolbenschmidt-pierburg.com/ .