This R D expenditures reached EUR 215 million

The year 2005 marked a stability of the activity of the Group Behr, stability appropriate to Markus Flik, the CEO of Behr GmbH: "we have reached our goals of turnover and of results". Thus, the OEM 2005 turnover reached 3,052 billion euros. The decline in activity in Europe has been offset by an increase of 7.6 in North America and 40 in Asia. The progression is also very significant in other regions of the world, 18, with the South Africa.

By families of products, note that cooling activity has experienced a sales down 4, while "engine cooling" activity grew by 9.3. This comes to the integration of Behr Thermotronik and the growth of sales of coolers of the supercharger of diesel engine exhaust gas.

Withdrawal of the air conditioning in 2005

The decline in sales of air conditioning systems concerned not Behr considering, as Henry precise, Baumert, President of Behr France, "progress in the number of exhibits, but also be stable turnover during the next two or three years". He remained a slight margin of progression from manual to automatic air-conditioning, while change of refrigerant will also bring additional turnover.

Raw materials impact in 2006

The current result of the group is established to 92 million euros, a slight decline from 2004. The net margin of 3 was obtained despite the increase in sensitive materials, aluminum, plastic and copper including. "We succeeded to pass an important part of the increase in our clients," adds Markus Flik, without wanting to be more specific.

And for the current year Our view that the prices of raw materials will be "important in 2006, more than last year". Markus Flik indicates that the group is negotiating with manufacturers on these issues of raw materials. The Behr CEO seems not worried, pointing out that the situation is identical for all manufacturers, which creates competitive difference.

A year of construction for the future

In 2005, Behr has invested 178 million, mainly in facilities for new releases on the site of Dayton, but also for the construction of new sites in China and India. In addition, the group will complete his device of production in North America with the establishment of a new site for the production of components to the Mexico near Monterrey.

In India, Behr, already present through a partnership with the Anand group, built a new plant in Pune on a surface of 17.000 m2. It is an investment of EUR 10 million. Behr expands its testing and prototyping means also in this country.

Note that the OEM has now two new sites: one in Shanghai (SBTS) and the second in Wuhan, called Dongfeng Behr Thermal Systems. On an area of 28,000 m2 with 500 people, the site of Shanghai manufacture all Behr products. The OEM has invested EUR 37 million for these two sites.

But that provides the group in Western Europe Markus Flik indicates that group works hard to maintain jobs, but indicates that Behr has "need for improved productivity and a reduction in the cost of labour". In this regard, the most critical activities relate to components. Conversely, full air conditioning systems must be manufactured near the sites of the manufacturers. "Our production sites are conveniently located in Europe." "With this logistical parameter, we are competitive," said Henry Baumert.

First major Japanese orders

More than ever, Behr put on quality and technology of its products. This R & D expenditures reached EUR 215 million. This figure for both basic research and the launches of products for the series. In this field, the developments concerning air conditioning using the new fluid R744 continues. For 2006, the OEM of Stuttgart predicted that high-end manufacturers realize again a beautiful year, while Asian generalists continue their offensive. For industrial vehicles, 2006 will be a positive year, particularly because of expectations of purchases found in North America prior to the entry into force of the emission control standards US07. About its activity, Behr has recorded significant orders in 2005. "The first important orders on the part of two Japanese manufacturers are all positive with respect particularly help" says Markus Flik. In addition, the Group indicates winning important contracts in Indian and Brazilian markets. Thus, with these commands, its new industrial sites and technical developments, the Group provides to a 2009 net sales of the order of EUR 3.5 billion.

BOX .

Growth for HBPO

The joint venture with Hella and Plastic Omnium has continued its growth and "2005 marked a passage series many projects" says Markus Flik. HBPO has consolidated its customer portfolio in the United States and Asia. In May 2005, a second unit of face before Assembly was commissioning to the Mexico. In Korea, HBPO operates three sites with its partner Samlip. Additional plants, Czech Republic and England, are being built.