OSRAM Global Automotive Lighting Introduces Mercury-Free Lighting on the 2007 Lincoln Navigator

HILLSBORO, N.H., Feb. 22, 2006 -- OSRAM Global Automotive Lighting has become the first supplier in the world to produce a complete mercury-free high intensity discharge (HID) lamp and ballast system, fulfilling the growing demand for environmentally friendlier products. OSRAM's landmark mercury-free innovation, known as the D3 HID forward lighting system, will debut on the 2007 Lincoln Navigator, the first production vehicle to feature this technology.

In 1996, Ford and OSRAM introduced the first HID system to the U.S. market on the Lincoln Mark VIII. Long-time supporters of environmental preservation, they have reached yet another lighting milestone with this new form of HID technology.

"OSRAM recognizes the importance of environmentally sustainable automotive technology," said Jim Johnson, executive vice president and general manager of OSRAM Global Automotive Lighting. "This innovation eliminates the trace amount of mercury present in standard HID lighting systems."

The leading producer of automotive lighting, OSRAM leveraged its expertise in both lamps and ballasts to develop a mercury-free system solution that provides a higher luminance light source with a more concentrated arc and better color stability than most standard HID systems.

The new mercury-free HID system is the latest example of OSRAM's commitment to environmentally sustainable lighting technology. In 2005, OSRAM removed lead and heavy metals from its manufacturing process for incandescent and halogen lighting.

About OSRAM SYLVANIA

OSRAM SYLVANIA is the world leader in automotive lighting for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket. The company's global automotive lighting division has its principal North American operations in Hillsboro, N.H., with nearly 1,000 employees. In addition to TS 16949, this facility has also achieved ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications. OSRAM SYLVANIA along with its affiliate, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, designs, develops, manufacturers and markets world-class automotive light sources including auxiliary, advanced halogen, light emitting diodes (LEDs) and HID technologies for interior, exterior and forward lighting applications. Automotive applications for OEMs are marketed under the OSRAM brand, while products for the aftermarket are sold under the SYLVANIA brand.

Headquartered in Danvers, Mass., OSRAM SYLVANIA is the North American operation of OSRAM GmbH. Together with our parent company, we are the second- largest lighting and materials enterprise in the world, serving customers in more than 140 countries. We manufacture and market a wide range of lighting products, including automotive, electronic and magnetic ballasts, and precision materials and components for industrial and commercial users, original equipment manufacturers and consumers, sold primarily under the SYLVANIA brand name, but also under the OSRAM brand. OSRAM SYLVANIA also offers lighting systems installation and maintenance services. For further information, please refer to our Web site at http://www.sylvania.com/ .