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Solvay Strengthens Global Position by Creating German Subsidiary Focused on Fuel Systems

3 January 2000

Solvay Strengthens Global Position by Creating German Subsidiary Focused on Fuel Systems

Solvay Automotive Fuel System Deutschland GmbH becomes German customer center
for fuel systems' activities and will work closely with North American team

    TROY, Mich., Jan. 3 -- Solvay Automotive, a global market
leader in the manufacturing of automotive fuel and emissions component
systems, has enhanced its ability to stay close to its customers in Germany by
establishing a wholly owned subsidiary located in Heidelberg, Germany.  It is
called Solvay Automotive Fuel System Deutschland GmbH, according to Solvay
Automotive President David Westgate, who made the announcement today.
    The subsidiary began operations in November as a Local Customer Center to
provide technical and marketing support of Solvay's Automotive's fuel systems
activities in Germany.  Solvay Automotive Fuel System Deutschland GmbH
complements the existing automotive activities of Solvay in Germany, led by
Solvay Automotive GmbH which produces air intake manifolds and technical
parts.
    "The creation of Solvay Automotive Fuel System Deutschland GmbH helps
strengthen Solvay's position as a global leader in the automotive industry,"
said Westgate.  "We in North America will be working closely with the office
as new opportunities arise."
    In recent years, the Solvay Group has expanded throughout South America,
Central Europe and Asia -- with the creation of new subsidiaries in Argentina,
Poland, Japan and Thailand, as well as two joint ventures:  PLASTAUTO with
Plastic Omnium in Brazil, and Solvay Automotive Romani with Subansamble.
    Solvay Automotive is part of the Solvay Group, an international chemical
and pharmaceutical group based in Brussels (Belgium).  Solvay Group companies
employ 34,000 people in 46 countries.  The Group's 1998 annual sales amounted
to 7,451 billion EUR (USD 8.6 billion), generated by its market leading
activities in each of its four sectors of activity:  chemicals, plastics,
processing and pharmaceuticals.