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PLASTIC OMNIUM AT THE 65TH FRANKFURT INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOBILE SHOW

Number one worldwide in exterior automotive components and fuel systems, Plastic Omnium is participating in IAA 2013, the 65th Frankfurt International Automobile Show, where it is presenting a number of innovations that address current auto industry demands to make vehicles lighter and cleaner.

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Among the most significant new exterior automotive parts are a number of components that weigh one-third less than their counterparts made of metal, including aluminum. These include the:

  • All-plastic tailgate for the Peugeot 308, which is being unveiled for the first time and heralds a new generation of rear opening modules.
  • Rear floor modules made of composite materials that are soldered to the vehicle platform.
  • New-generation front-end modules, such as the one that equips the Mercedes CLA.

In the area of fuel systems, Plastic Omnium is presenting developments and new applications of its
proprietary technologies, such as:

  • The TSBM process for manufacturing fuel tanks that enables all components and system functions to be integrated into a compact module. This technique continues to be developed and is now used to equip small vehicles like the Mercedes A, B, CLA and GLA.
  • SCR emissions-control systems, which are widely used by Audi for its entire range of diesel vehicles, have scored major gains with other carmakers, such as Chrysler and General Motors.

In addition to these solutions, which are already available on series-produced vehicles, Plastic Omnium is also presenting a number of prototypes intended for automobiles that will be produced in the years ahead, among them:

  • The INWIN line of fuel tanks specially designed for hybrid vehicles.
  • The new-concept LightAir bumpers, which reduce CO2 emissions by 3g/km thanks to their improved aerodynamic features while also offering carmakers greater freedom of design.
  • A front floor module made of high-performance composite material. The first composite structural component to replace a conventional module containing more than 20 stamped sheet metal parts, this solution delivers a weight-savings of 50%.

Thanks to Plastic Omnium’s strategic commitment to investing substantially in new products, the development of these innovations will continue at a sustained pace in the years ahead.

“The Company manages a portfolio of nearly 2,600 patents and invests some €300 million a year in developing innovations, which represents a total of €1.2 billion between now and 2016,” says Laurent Burelle, Chairman and CEO of Plastic Omnium. “We will continue to take advantage of the full range of growth opportunities offered by the auto industry’s incredible global development, leveraging our capacity for innovation and international expansion while maintaining our independence thanks to our ability to fund these investments from operations.” Illustrating this assertive strategy, 16 new plants will be built between now and 2016, of which half in China.

A supplier to the entire global automobile production industry, Plastic Omnium generates nearly onethird of its sales from German carmakers – its leading customers – and one-quarter from US carmakers, with French and Asian manufacturers accounting for the remainder. In 2013, Plastic Omnium will take part in the launch of 107 new vehicle models around the world.

Key figures
2012 revenue: €4,806 million
Net profit: €181.5 million
22,000 employees and 107 plants in 29 countries
R&D workforce: 1,400 engineers and technicians in 14 centers around the world, including 1,000 employees in the Company's two global R&D centers in France. A total of 2,585 patents.

Press Conference by Laurent Burelle
Plastic OmniumChairman and Chief Executive Officer

Wednesday 11 September at 9 am

At the Plastic Omnium stand in the IAA in Frankfurt

Stand 12A – Hall 5.1