Kolbenschmidt Pierburg Plays Vital Role in Eight of Ward's Ten Best Engines

DETROIT, Jan. 11, 2006 -- Advanced engine technology from Kolbenschmidt Pierburg components appears on eight of the Ward's Top Ten Engines for 2006.

The awards, now a highly anticipated annual barometer of automotive engine development, are in their 12th year. Winning engines were announced in award ceremonies by the automotive trade publication today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Kolbenschmidt Pierburg, a leading supplier of powertrain technology that includes pistons, automotive oil and water pumps, electric throttle controls, bearings, secondary air systems, electric exhaust gas recirculation valves, and aluminum engine blocks, supplied a variety of components on eight of the winning engines.

"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, Pierburg vice president of sales. "These engine makers take pride in meeting or exceeding the ever increasing performance levels that require sophisticated technology and production capabilities and we are pleased to be their partner in those efforts with our technology."

Components from Kolbenschmidt Pierburg on the ten best engines include the Pierburg electric bypass valve, PWM valve, KS Gleitlager main bearings, con rod bearings and end bushing on the Audi A3. Pierburg's intake manifold, secondary air system and KS Gleitlager con rod bearings and the end bushing, along with the aluminum engine block from KS Aluminum Technology, are featured on the Audi S4.

On the BMW 330i, the Electric Coolant pump, exhaust valve and solenoid valve, as well as KS Gleitlager main bearings (upper and lower) contributed to the engine's outstanding performance. The Mustang GT V-8 pistons came from Karl Schmidt Unisia. The Chevrolet Cobalt SS features the Pierburg electric throttle control and coolant pump. For the Saab 9-3 Aero, the electric throttle control, secondary air pump and solenoid valve are from Pierburg. Karl Schmidt Unisia pistons were specified for both the Mazdaspeed 6 and Nissan's Infiniti G35 6MT.

The Kolbenschmidt Pierburg engine components are sourced globally from Europe, Asia and North America.

Kolbenschmidt Pierburg is a leading supplier of pistons, automotive oil and water pumps, electric throttle controls, bearings, secondary air systems and electric exhaust gas recirculation valves, and aluminum engine blocks. Kolbenschmidt Pierburg has four North American units -- Pierburg, Inc., Karl Schmidt Unisia, Inc., KS Bearings, Inc., and KS Aluminum Technology -- with production facilities in Fountain Inn, S.C.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Marinette, Wis., and Leamington, Ont. Its North American sales offices are in Southfield, Mich.

Kolbenschmidt Pierburg is a subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG. The company has approximately 11,400 employees at its five automotive divisions. Global sales for its Aluminum Technology, Motor Service, Pierburg, KS Pistons and KS Bearings divisions totaled nearly $2.4 billion in 2004. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://www.usa.kolbenschmidt-pierburg.com/ .