Hella Lane-Change Warning System to Appear in BMW 7 Series

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Sept. 25, 2008 - Hella, a global supplier of automotive lighting and electronics, will supply its 24-GHz radar-based lane-change warning system for the 2009 BMW 7 Series, making it the ninth vehicle worldwide to feature the technology.

The Hella system is designed to warn drivers of vehicles in their “blind spots” when changing lanes. Once the car reaches 30 miles per hour or more, the system monitors adjacent right and left lanes. If another vehicle is in a blind spot when the driver is about to change lanes, the system illuminates a symbol in the side mirror and causes the steering wheel to vibrate. The dual warnings enhance the overall effectiveness of the system.

“The BMW 7 Series is the ninth vehicle to incorporate Hella’s lane-assistant technology, with more vehicle applications on the way,” said Dr. Martin Fischer, president of Hella Electronics Corporation. “Our lane-change warning system reduces the risk of ‘blind spot’ accidents considerably.”

Approved for use worldwide, Hella’s warning sensors have a range of nearly 200 feet and work in all weather conditions. The extended range allows the system to alert drivers to vehicles approaching rapidly from the rear.

Hella’s lane-change warning system was recognized in the 2008 Automotive News PACE awards program honoring superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance among automotive suppliers.

Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. develops and manufactures lighting and electronics components and systems for the automotive industry. Its joint venture companies also produce complete vehicle modules and air conditioning systems.

In addition, Hella has one of the largest aftermarket organizations in the world for automotive parts and accessories, with its own sales companies and partners in more than 100 countries. The consolidated annual turnover of the Hella Group is about $5.7 billion.

Hella is one of the top 50 automotive parts suppliers in the world and one of the 100 largest industrial companies in Germany. Nearly 25,000 people work in 70 manufacturing facilities, production subsidiaries throughout the world, including more than 3,500 research-and-development engineers and technicians. Customers include all of the world’s leading vehicle and systems manufacturers, as well as the automotive parts aftermarket.