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Orbital Recruits International Managers

20 July 2000

Orbital Recruits International Managers

    PERTH, Australia - Orbital Engine Corporation has recruited two experienced 
automotive industry account managers in Germany and the United States to drive 
the growth of its global automotive business.

    Mr. Thorsten Stroh, who will be based in Frankfurt, has been appointed
Senior Customer Account Manager - Europe.  He previously worked for automotive
engineering company Robert Bosch GmbH in Stuttgart.

    Mr. Robert Schmidt has been appointed to a similar role for the United
States market, working from Detroit.  Mr. Schmidt previously worked for TI
Group Automotive Systems (formerly Walbro Corporation) and Mannesmann VDO.

    Orbital CEO Kim Schlunke said the company had recruited additional
experienced staff to support increased activity from customers.

    "The automotive industry is starting to focus very closely on the
application of direct fuel injection (DI) technology to conventional 4-stroke
engines," Mr. Schlunke said.

    "Our air assist DI system is consistently producing superior test results
and attracting growing interest.

    "This is evidenced by our recently announced alliances with Saab
Automobiles and Delphi Automotive Systems.

    "In addition, we are working with several other automotive manufacturers
at various stages of prototype development, feasibility assessment and
production proofing."

    Mr. Schlunke said the growing interest in DI technology stemmed from
market pressure and legislative requirements, which were forcing manufacturers
in both Europe and the United States to improve engine efficiency.

    "We already have staff in the United States and Europe, plus we receive
support from Synerject, our 50-50 manufacturing joint venture with Siemens
Automotive, which has operations in Virginia and Italy.

    "With the growing level of interest from manufacturers and automotive
suppliers, we have recruited additional experienced staff to ensure we meet
the needs of our customers."

    The technology alliance with Saab is aimed at the industrialisation and
commercial release of Saab engines using Orbital's direct injection fuel
systems.

    The agreement with Delphi, a global leader in automotive components and
systems technology, is focused on the joint development of a spark plug
injector that integrates the spark plug and fuel injector into a single
device.

    Orbital's DI fuel systems substantially boost the efficiency of internal
combustion engines, reducing exhaust emissions and improving fuel economy.  An
Orbital test vehicle has achieved the strict European Stage 4 emission limits,
due to apply in the year 2005, while also achieving a 13% improvement in fuel
economy over an identical vehicle fitted with a conventional fuel injection
system.

    Orbital is a leading international developer of engine technologies using
direct in-cylinder fuel injection and lean-burn systems for enhanced fuel
economy and lower emissions.  The company serves the worldwide automotive,
marine, recreational and motorcycle markets.  Headquartered in Perth, Western
Australia, Orbital stock is traded on the Australian Stock Exchange, the
New York Stock Exchange as well as the Berlin and Frankfurt Exchanges.