Hoerbiger Holding AG Business Report up until FY ended Dec. 31, 2009

Business Highlights

Recent Years

Acquisition

-In June 2006, the Company acquired Getrag SynchronTecknik GmbH, a subsidiary of Getrag. Getrag SynchronTecknik GmbH develops and manufactures synchronizer systems and synchronizer components for the Getrag corporate group and other customers in the automotive industry.

New Company

-On 1 January 2002 the Automation Technology Strategic Business Unit created a new company: Hoerbiger-Origa Systems GmbH. The founding of this new firm marks the completion of restructuring within the Strategic Business Unit at its two locations in Altenstadt and Filderstadt.

R&D

Product Developments

New hydrogen engine, "H2BVplus"
-In 2009, HOERBIGER ValveTec, the BMW Group Forschung und Technik and other partners developed a new hydrogen engine called "H2BVplus", achieving efficiencies on par with those of the best turbo-diesel engines with a maximum of up to 42 percent. ValveTec designed high-pressure injectors for direct injection of hydrogen into the combustion chamber with pressures of up to 300 bar. (From a press release on Mar. 12, 2009)

Hydraulic roof drives
-In 2007, the Company has developed hydraulic roof drives for the Opel Astra and BMW 3-Series Convertibles. For these four-seaters, hydraulic drives for three-piece retractable hardtops were implemented for the first time. With these products, the company successfully follows up on its pioneer work implemented in the drive concept for the two-piece hardtops of the Mercedes SLK and Mercedes SL. (From a press release on Sep. 10, 2007)

Investment Activities

Investment Outside Switzerland

<USA>
-In August 2004, Hoerbiger Drivetech USA moved to Auburn, Alabama less than five years ago and is currently completing an expansion that will double the size of its facility.

<China>
-In Jan. 2003, the Group opened its second branch establishment in Wuxi, China, Hoerbiger (Wuxi) Automation Technology Co. Ltd.

-In June 18, 2001 a new office started the Company's design work in Shanghai with a total team of 5 members. They now complete the design process from assembly drawing to parts drawing and parts list.

-In June 2000, the Company established a representative office in Shanghai to meet the rapid growth of ZF Passau, one of the most important customer of the Company.

<Belgium>
-In August 2001, Hoerbiger Drivetrain Mechatronics B.V.B.A was established and has been fully operating since January 2002. It is located in Loppem, Belgium.