Henkel Accompanies Dakar Rally to South America
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DUESSELDORF, Germany and ROCKY HILL, Conn., December 18, 2008: The driest desert on earth, the world's longest exposed mountain range - Dakar 2009 is full of superlatives demanding exceptionally skilled drivers as well as vehicles and technical equipment able to meet the toughest requirements. On January 3, 2009, the most sensational of all rally events will begin in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Henkel will be at the starting line for the fourth consecutive time. Select products from the company's Loctite(R) and Pattex brands will prove their ability to withstand the most extreme conditions. Know-how from Henkel ensures that more than 500 competitors from about 50 nations will not be delayed by a loose bolt, worn bearing, leaking seal, broken windshield or any other unexpected incident when traveling the plains of Patagonia, crossing the Atacama Desert and passing the Andes Mountains.
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In the Dakar Rally 2009, Henkel's Official Supplier status reflects its competencies as a leading supplier of industrial adhesives and sealants, pushing the limits further in pursuit of reliability, performance and innovation. "As an ideal testing arena for new product developments, the rally has confirmed the superior quality of our products even under the most extreme racing conditions," says Isabelle Feix, Marketing Communications, Loctite. "Many products have earned their 'Dakar-proven' stamp of approval in the four previous events." Loctite(R) anaerobic threadlockers have performed reliably where mechanical devices fail. Broken windscreens are quickly replaces with Teroson direct glazing sealants. Damaged plastic parts can be restored quickly and reliably using Teroson Plastic Repair products. And Pattex Power Tape repairs, secures, holds and seals, making it an indispensable tool to have along.
Over the years, Henkel service specialists accompanying the rally have established a strong relationship with the competitors, built on the competent assistance and the high-quality products offered for fast and efficient repairs. They are known as the "Henkel-Charlies" to most of the drivers and even more so to their mechanics. This year a team of four will head for South America to support the competitors with hands-on expertise for emergency repairs and overnight maintenance work in the bivouacs. The "Charlies" will travel with the rally from start to finish, and will be joined by photojournalist Stefano Levi, reporting every day live from the bivouacs and from the track. His reports can be found at: www.dakaradventure.com.
The Dakar Rally receives extensive international media coverage by radio and TV stations and will be broadcast in 180 countries. The event captures the interest of a huge public. "Many of them are motor sport and technology enthusiasts - exactly the key group of Loctite(R) and Teroson product users," said Isabelle Feix.
For more than 130 years, Henkel has been a leader with brands and technologies that make people's lives easier, better and more beautiful. Henkel operates in three business areas - Home Care, Personal Care, and Adhesive Technologies - and is ranked among the Fortune Global 500 companies. More than 60 percent of Henkel's sales are in consumer goods, while the industrial business accounts for almost 40 percent of the company's total sales. In fiscal 2007, Henkel generated sales of 13,074 million euros and operating profit of 1,344 million euros. Our more than 55,000 employees worldwide are dedicated to fulfilling our corporate claim, "A Brand like a Friend," and ensuring that people in more than 125 countries can trust in brands and technologies from Henkel.
Press-Contact Cindy Demers (North America) Phone: 480-754-4090 cindy.demers@us.henkel.com Sabina Hampe (International) Phone: +49 211 797 - 7519 Fax: +49 211 798 - 4040 Technical Contact Isabelle Feix Phone: +49 211 797 - 2460 Fax: +49 211 798 - 12460 Press@Henkel.comPhoto: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030605/HENKYLOGO
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NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos are available at http://www.henkel.com/press