Knorr-Bremse India inaugurates facility in Hinjewadi, Pune

Knorr-Bremse Far East / TACO JV to focus on domestic commercial vehicles industry; will supply air-braking systems

8 June 2005

Knorr-Bremse Systems for Commercial Vehicles India Pvt Ltd (KBSCV), a joint venture between Knorr-Bremse Far East Ltd, Hong Kong, a subsidiary of Knorr-Bremse AG, Germany, and Tata AutoComp Systems Limited (TACO), promoted by the Tata Group, today formally inaugurated its manufacturing facility in Hinjewadi, near Pune, India. The new facility will supply air-braking systems - including modern electronic brake systems - to commercial vehicle manufacturers in the domestic market.

Knorr-Bremse India's new manufacturing facility was inaugurated by Ravi Kant, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors Ltd in the presence of Heinz Hermann Thiele, Chairman of the Board of Management, Knorr-Bremse AG, Germany, and Vinod Dasari, Chief Executive Officer, Ashok Leyland Ltd, accompanied by distinguished guests from the Indian Auto Industry, including Abhay Firodia, Chairman and Managing Director, Force Motors.

Knorr-Bremse India will cater to the Indian market, by developing modern air braking systems for commercial vehicles. The product portfolio includes air brake valves, air supply / treatment systems, actuators, automatic slack adjusters, foundation brakes, anti lock brake systems and other allied automotive solutions for commercial vehicles.

A recent joint study commissioned by consulting firm McKinsey and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) highlights India as the preferred country to capitalise on emerging trends that increasingly favour global delivery models in automotive technology development and manufacturing, owing to a skilled workforce coupled with low-cost technology design and manufacturing capabilities.

Heinz Hermann Thiele, Chairman of the Board of Management, Knorr-Bremse AG, Germany, commented, "The inauguration of the new facility renews our commitment to bringing world-class braking technology to Indian commercial vehicle manufacturers. This plant launch is made all the more special, since it comes in Knorr-Bremse's centenary year

D.S. Gupta Managing Director, Tata AutoComp Systems Ltd, said, "Continually exceeding customer expectations on cost and performance continues to remain at the core of our business philosophy. To be among the best, we shall commit ourselves to excellence in technology and engineering with the help of our global partners. We are proud to be associated with Knorr-Bremse Commercial Vehicle Systems and the new facility is further proof of the progress of our joint venture."

Hemant Mohgaonkar, Chief Executive Officer, Knorr-Bremse India, said, "Knorr-Bremse India (KBSCV) offers its customers full engineering support for the design and installation of braking systems appropriate to their current and new vehicle range. KBSCV is capable of handling the whole life cycle of the product, from design and development to production, supply and after-sales service. Our new facility in Hinjewadi will ensure that we are able to adequately serve the needs of the rapidly growing commercial vehicles market in India."

About Knorr-Bremse Group
The Knorr-Bremse Group is the world's leading manufacturer of braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles. For 100 years now the company has pioneered the development, production and marketing of state-of-the-art braking systems. Other lines of business include on-board systems for rail vehicles, platform doors and torsional vibration dampers. To find out more about Knorr-Bremse, visit www.Knorr-Bremse.com.

About Tata AutoComp Systems Ltd
Tata AutoComp Systems Limited (TACO), India, promoted by the Tata Group, provides industry-leading products and services in the area of auto components to global automotive customers including Ashok Leyland, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, John Deere, Mahindra and Mahindra, Piaggio, Tata Motors, Toyota and Volvo. The Company's capabilities span engineering, manufacturing and supply chain management.

For further information please contact:

Knorr-Bremse AG
Eva Seifert
Head of Corporate Communications
Moosacher Strasse 80, D-80809 Munich
Tel: +49 89-3547-1402
Fax: +49 89-3547-1403
Email: eva.seifert@knorr-bremse.com