Henkel Sponsors Automotive Engineering Students at 2007 Formula SAE(R)

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., May 16, 2007 -- As a gold sponsor of this year's Formula SAE(R) event, Henkel Corporation is creating real-world automotive experiences for university students by donating materials and providing counsel. Henkel also is taking the opportunity to gain feedback from the students about its products before they are brought to market.

For this year's May 16-20 competition, Henkel is sponsoring individual teams by supplying products for University of Guelph, University of Windsor, Cornell University, University of Toledo, University of California Berkeley and Virginia Tech. In addition, Henkel intends to distribute free samples of its industry-leading materials to teams throughout the competition.

"The Formula SAE(R) competition is important to Henkel because it gives us the opportunity to offer design expertise, establish corporate awareness and build strong relationships with students on the brink of their careers," said Dan Wohletz, vice president, automotive North American, Henkel. "The 'next generation of automotive innovators' can practice honing their skills while they test our existing materials and give us honest input for future product direction."

The goal of the Formula SAE(R) competition is to develop high-performance prototype cars that are cost effective, easy to maintain and reliable. In addition, students are encouraged to consider other factors such as aesthetics, comfort and use of common parts.

The Formula SAE(R) competition is for SAE student members to conceive, design, fabricate and compete with small formula-style racing cars. The restrictions on the car frame and engine are limited so that the knowledge, creativity, and imagination of the students are challenged. The cars are built with a team effort over a period of about one year and are taken to the annual competition for judging and comparison with approximately 120 other vehicles from colleges and universities throughout the world. The end result is a great experience for young engineers in a meaningful engineering project as well as the opportunity of working in a dedicated team effort.