Kongsberg Automotive (KA) awarded supply contracts for new generation of eco-friendly electric utility vehicles

Kongsberg, 18 May 2009 Kongsberg Automotive's Power Products Systems division has been awarded a contract to supply the shifter system for a new generation of award winning electronic vehicles. The shifters will be manufactured in the Heiligenhaus facility, Germany. The vehicles were introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and production timing includes several stages of test vehicles during 2009, followed by a start of production by the end of the year. Production will ramp up to 1,000 vehicles by the end of 2010. The OEM projects 5000 vehicles annually. This contract firmly establishes KA at the centre of electric vehicle development following the company's selection as supplier of drivetrain controls on a number of key electric vehicle programs. One such program now in production is the Modec electric delivery vehicle produced in the U.K.,( see photo attached). These revolutionary zero emission commercial vehicles, including the box van, chassis cab and drop side vehicles are capable of traveling at 50mph over a range of up to 100 miles, depending upon battery pack. KA supplies the ES3000 electronic shifter and the MT7000 mechatronic throttle pedal system on all of these Modec vehicles. "We are very pleased to be a part of these innovative new vehicle programs," said Oliver Percival, PPS Regional Sales Manager, "and with the global initiatives for reducing emissions, both of these projects have significant potential. Now that we have been nominated as the preferred supplier, we will continue to support their activities to ensure the programs are a success." Kongsberg Automotive is headquartered in Kongsberg, Norway and has approx. 50 facilities in 20 countries on all continents. Kongsberg Automotive provides system solutions to vehicle makers around the world. The product portfolio includes gearshift systems, cables for a wide variety of applications, fuel lines, tubing and hoses, couplings, clutch actuation, stabilizing rods, seat heaters, seat ventilation, lumbar supports, head restrains, arm rests, steering columns, pedals, electronics and displays. Find more information at www.kongsbergautomotive.com. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Ronny Lie Director Communication Phone : +4732770511. Mobile : +4791610798