ElringKlinger signs license agreement for innovative lightweight metal-polymer components

DGAP-News: ElringKlinger AG / Key word(s): Miscellaneous2015-11-27 / 10:46The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.---------------------------------------------------------------------------Dettingen/Erms (Germany), November 27, 2015   +++ The ElringKlinger Grouphas concluded a license agreement with one of Germany's premiummanufacturers, the focus being on pioneering lightweight components made ofmetal and plastic. The license agreement holds considerable revenuepotential for the coming years.In the second quarter of 2015, ElringKlinger ramped up serial production ofcockpit cross-car beams, front-end carriers and front-end adapters made ofpolymer-metal hybrids, which are being supplied to a premium-segment carmaker in Germany. These structural components are produced by means ofpioneering  hybrid hydroforming technology, allowing considerably weightsavings compared with standard steel-based parts used in the past. Thiswill give ElringKlinger a foothold in the rapidly growing andtechnologically advanced market for lightweight body and chassiscomponents.The license agreement will allow ElringKlinger to market this innovativetechnology to other car manufacturers, thus unlocking significantopportunities for follow-on orders in the coming years. The currentlarge-scale contract with the German premium car maker alone covers avolume of more than EUR 120 million in the next five years. Several othercustomers have already voiced their interest in the new technology.Following the conclusion of the license agreement, ElringKlinger willswiftly enter into concrete negotiations with interested vehiclemanufacturers.The new production method brings together the technique of metal-basedhydroforming with that of plastic injection molding - in a single step. Thethus resulting hybrid components made of plastic and metal combine thebenefits of these two materials. These include technical aspects such assuperior precision in terms of shape and dimensions, with minimaltolerances, as well as outstanding flexural rigidity and bucklingresistance in the event of an accident. Additionally, the ability toincorporate several steps in a single process helps to make production moreefficient and cost-effective.ElringKlinger has been working on the substitution of plastics for metalover a period spanning more than 15 years and has amassed considerableknow-how in this field with regard to materials and production methods.Alongside the weight-related benefits of up to 50% in some cases, plasticoffers the advantage of allowing the production of much more complex shapesthan would be possible with steel or aluminum. Lightweight solutions are animportant tool when it comes to meeting increasingly strict CO2 limitsimposed by governments around the globe, as less weight always translatesinto lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. ElringKlinger generatesaround 20% of its Group revenue in the Plastic Housing Modules/ElastomerTechnology division.__________________________________________________________________________For further information, please contact:ElringKlinger AG Sabrina HauflerCorporate Communications / Investor RelationsMax-Eyth-Straße 272581 DettingenGermanyPhone:+49 7123 724-137Fax: +49 7123 724-85137Email: sabrina.haufler@elringklinger.com---------------------------------------------------------------------------2015-11-27 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - aservice of EQS Group AG.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements,Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.Media archive at www.dgap-medientreff.de and www.dgap.de---------------------------------------------------------------------------   Language:    English                                                        Company:     ElringKlinger AG                                                            Max-Eyth-Straße 2                                                           72581 Dettingen/Erms                                                        Germany                                                        Phone:       071 23 / 724-0                                                 Fax:         071 23 / 724-9006                                              E-mail:      sabrina.haufler@elringklinger.com                              Internet:    www.elringklinger.de                                           ISIN:        DE0007856023                                                   WKN:         785602                                                         Indices:     MDAX                                                           Listed:      Regulated Market in Frankfurt (Prime Standard), Stuttgart;                  Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf,                          Hamburg, Hanover, Munich                                             End of News    DGAP News Service