DGAP-News: Daimler Subsidiary Freightliner Distributes Innovative Fifth Wheel - Successful Start to Axle Production in the US

Bessenbach, Germany, March 20, 2009 - SAF-HOLLAND S.A is expanding its sales potential

20.03.2009

Release of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a company of EquityStory AG. The issuer / publisher is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Bessenbach, Germany, March 20, 2009 - SAF-HOLLAND S.A. is expanding its sales potential. Daimler subsidiary Daimler Truck North America (formerly Freightliner Corporation), one of the largest truck manufacturers in North America, now offers customers the option of an innovative, ultra-lightweight HOLLAND FWAL Lightweight fifth wheel. The FWAL fifth wheel plate is forged out of aluminum alloy, making it much lighter in weight than conventional cast iron or steel products. It also features the proven 'No Lube' technology, which includes a special surface coating on the locking mechanism and a number of other technical details so the fifth wheel does not require lubrication. This SAF-HOLLAND development is suitable for fleets who seek a combination of low maintenance requirements for tractor units, along with environmental sustainability and significant weight reduction (up to 40kg).

Trailer axle system production is now underway in the United States, and the first customers took delivery of the new axles last month. Production will be increased to meet demand in the weeks ahead. The production facility in Missouri works flexibly to manufacture different kinds of axle systems to suit individual customer requirements. In launching its own axle production, the Group is opening up significant additional sales potentials since buying axles from third-party manufacturers is no longer required. At the same time, SAF-HOLLAND has rounded out its product portfolio in North America.

Dr. Reiner Beutel, CEO of SAF-HOLLAND GROUP GmbH, said, 'We are pleased that Daimler Truck North America recognizes that SAF-HOLLAND's new FWAL fifth wheel offers their fleet customers additional advantages of weight optimization and reduced cost. This confirms our product strategy of offering technically sophisticated solutions in our core and growth markets around the world. The start-up of trailer axle production in North America is one example of leveraging technologies across the entire organization, supporting our ability to meet the requirements of customers around the world.'

Company Profile With more than EUR 800 million in sales and over 2,000 employees, SAF-HOLLAND S.A. is one of the worldwide leading manufacturers and suppliers of premium product systems and components primarily for trailers as well as trucks, buses, and recreational vehicles. The product range encompasses axle and suspension systems, fifth wheels, couplers, kingpins, and landing legs. SAF-HOLLAND customers include the majority of large truck and trailer producers all over the world. The products are sold to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Original Equipment Suppliers (OESs) by means of a global service and distribution network and via aftermarket channels directly to the end users and service garages. SAF-HOLLAND has therefore established itself as one of the few manufacturers in its sector that is internationally positioned with an extensive product range and a broad service network. SAF-HOLLAND S.A. has been listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since July 2007. 20.03.2009 Financial News transmitted by DGAP

Language: English
Issuer: SAF-HOLLAND S.A.
68-70, boulevard de la Pétrusse
L-2320 Luxembourg
Luxemburg
Phone: +49 6095 301 - 0
Fax: +49 6095 301 - 260
E-mail: info@safholland.de
Internet: www.safholland.com
ISIN: LU0307018795
WKN: A0MU70
Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr
in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, München, Stuttgart

End of News DGAP News-Service