Hella Wins Automotive Engineering International Tech Award

PLYMOUTH, Mich., May 9, 2006 -- A new infrared night-vision system developed by Hella has received a 2006 Tech Award from the editors of Automotive Engineering International (AEI).

Hella's ADILIS(R) (Advanced Infrared Lighting System) is designed to improve traffic safety after dark and is capable of detecting objects up to 500 feet away. The system uses a complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera, an infrared headlamp and a display for the driver.

Three different prototype infrared headlamps can be used in the system, including an H7 halogen bulb with an interference filter; two projection modules and LEDs (light emitting diodes) that act as infrared light sources; or a headlamp with an infrared laser, where light hits an angled reflector before being beamed onto the road.

Showing distant objects normally invisible to the naked eye, the display provides the driver with a gray-scale image of what the camera detects.

"We are honored to receive Automotive Engineering International's 2006 Tech Award," said Jean-Francois Tarabbia, chief executive officer of Hella's Automotive Electronics Division. "ADILIS(R) combines Hella's vehicle lighting and electronics capabilities and provides our customers with a night-vision system that is both effective and economical."

AEI is a monthly automotive trade magazine published by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Recipients of the 2006 Tech Award were selected by AEI's editorial staff based on technology introduced during the past year and exhibited at the Society of Automotive Engineers' annual World Congress held in Detroit.

The magazine's staff rates new technologies based on a variety of criteria, including innovation, customer relevance, overall design, cost, utility and ease of use. Hella's new infrared night-vision system was one of only 19 new technologies honored by the magazine this year.

A global supplier, Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. develops and manufactures components and systems for lighting and electronics for the automotive industry, including advanced driver-assistance systems enhancing safety and comfort. In addition, joint venture companies produce complete vehicle modules, air-conditioning systems and vehicle-electric systems. Hella is one of the world's largest companies selling automotive parts and accessories, with its own sales companies and partners in more than 100 countries. Annual consolidated sales for the Hella Group total $3.7 billion.

Hella is one of the 100 largest industrial companies in Germany. A total of 24,000 people are employed in 65 production facilities, production subsidiaries and joint venture companies. More than 2,900 Hella engineers and technicians work in research and development across the Group. Customers include all leading automakers and system manufacturers, as well as the automotive aftermarket.

Additional information is available at http://www.hella.com/ .