14th December 2006 - TMD Friction Appoints New Senior Vice President

Josef Besting to Head Up the Aftermarket Business of the Brake Pad Manufacturer

TMD Friction Holding GmbH has created a new leading position for a Senior Vice President in its Aftermarket business division. Josef Besting (51) will take up the post on 1 January 2007.

Derek Whitworth, Chief Executive Officer of TMD Friction, comments: "Josef Besting brings with him several decades of automotive aftermarket experience. His appointment is significant in that we have acquired an expert who will continue to develop the global aftermarket at TMD Friction and further consolidate the company's market position. Josef will ensure the company continuously improves its products and services for customers." According to Mr Whitworth, the creation of a new senior management position recognises the important role which the aftermarket plays in the operations of TMD Friction.

Besting began his career in 1973 at Hella KG in Lippstadt, Germany. He advanced up the career ladder and progressed to positions in other European countries, for example, K.G. Knutsson Handels AB in Sweden and Bosal International N.V. in Belgium. Throughout his career, he has been
active in the sales/aftermarket and marketing sectors. In 1999, he was appointed as a member of the Management Board at Mannesmann VDO AG (now Siemens VDO). Most recently, he was employed as Chief Executive Officer of Siemens VDO Service & Special Solutions where his responsibilities included the global aftermarket and  "Special OEM".

About TMD Friction

TMD Friction Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of brake friction materials in the original equipment market of the automotive and brake industry. Its product portfolio comprises disc brake pads and drum brake linings for passenger cars and commercial vehicles together
with brake pads for racing and friction materials for industry. TMD Friction also supplies the global aftermarket with its Textar, Pagid, Mintex, Don, Cobreq, and Cosid brands. With locations in Germany and five other European countries, the USA, Brazil, Mexico, China, Japan and
Malaysia, TMD Friction generated a turnover of 652 million euros in 2005 and employed 4,500 people worldwide.

Source: TMD Friction Press Release