SKF Provides Bearings and Seals for New Volkswagen Jetta Engine, Transmission and Suspension Applications

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Jan. 19, 2005 -- SKF is providing bearings, hub units, automotive specialty products, and sealing systems for a Volkswagen platform that is the base for the 2005 Jetta, as well as the Golf and GTI, among others. These products are used in engine, transmission and suspension applications to improve engine performance and vehicle handling.

"We have built a strong relationship with Volkswagen that we are very proud of," said George Dettloff, president, SKF Automotive Division - North America. "This relationship is based on the strength of our engineering, design and product technologies."

  SKF supplies the following products for the platform:
  *  Engine applications:
   - Rocker arm bearings -- high-efficiency, low-friction bearings that
     provide smooth valve operation with minimal wear.
   - Belt tensioner units -- automatically adjust to any stretch in the belt
     between the crankshaft and the camshaft to ensure constant belt load
     and prolong the life of the belt.
  *  Transmission applications:
   - Tapered roller bearings for the gear box -- provide high precision and
     high speed for greater operating performance, while providing low
     noise, vibration and harshness.
   - Bearing carriers -- pre-assembled integrated carriers holding two
     bearings that maintain rigid support for the transmission gear wheels
     on the main shaft and layshaft.
   - Clutch release bearings for manual transmissions -- angular contact
     ball bearing units that provide smooth and efficient engaging and
     disengaging of the clutch.
  *  Suspension applications:
   - Third generation hub bearing unit for front wheel drive vehicles and
     second generation hub bearing units for non-drive rear wheels -- the
     latest hub bearing technology from SKF providing exceptional
     performance and endurance.  The hub units are also easy to service.
   - McPherson top strut bearings -- drastically reduce spring twist and
     steering friction for smoother feel and handling.  Integrates spring
     seat and latest low-friction seal technology for severe conditions and
     extended service life.
   - Seals for front and rear shock absorbers -- ideal under intense static
     and dynamic pressures and wide temperature ranges encountered in this
     application.

  About SKF

Founded in Sweden in 1907, SKF is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden with technology centers in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. The North American Technical Center is located in Plymouth, Mich., and is supported by the sealing technology center in Elgin, Ill. SKF has a long history of innovation, including the development of the first integrated wheel hub bearing in 1938 (1938 Citroen 15 CV) and the first full by-wire controlled concept car, the Filo, jointly launched with Stile Bertone in February of 2001.

Today's products include SKF bearings, Chicago Rawhide seals and value- added subassemblies for corner and steering, driveline, engine and lubrication systems for both cars and trucks. The company also offers by-wire SMART actuators and sensors, plus a variety of design, testing and consulting services. SKF employs approximately 40,000 worldwide, has annual sales of over six billion dollars, and sells its products in more than 150 countries. More information is available at http://www.skf.com/ .