Changes in Saia-Burgess Group Management

HONG KONG, Dec. 3, 2005; Johnson Electric today announced the immediate departure of Saia-Burgess' Chief Executive Officer and Delegate of the Board of Directors Daniel Hirschi. Saia-Burgess' Board of Directors expressed appreciation for Hirschi's achievements, and for his past service and dedication to the company.

Saia-Burgess Director of Communications and Investor Relations, Valeria Poretti-Rezzonico, has also left the company.

All other five members of the Saia-Burgess Group Management team will remain in their positions and will report to Patrick Wang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Electric.

Johnson Electric reiterated its strong commitment to Saia-Burgess and will ensure that the implement tation of the latter's current business strategy is accelerated. The management change is consistent with the introduction of Johnson Electric's management structures and growth processes that will help integrate Saia-Burgess within the Johnson Electric global business organisation.

Johnson Electric is one of the world's largest providers of micro motors and integrated motor systems to global customers in the automotive, power tools, home appliances, business equipment, audio-visual and personal care sectors. The group is headquartered in Hong Kong, employs over 32,000 people in 14 countries worldwide and achieved a turnover of US$1,144 million in the business year ending 31 March 2005. Saia-Burgess is a subsidiary of Johnson Electric and a leading supplier of stepper motors, switches, actuators, and electronic controllers to customers within the automotive, industrial and infrastructure automation industry. Johnson Electric is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (code 179) and is a constituent of the Hang Seng Index.

  For further information please visit: http://www.johnsonelectric.com/

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