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Earth Day 2000: Emitec Contributes to Environmental Goals

20 April 2000

Earth Day 2000: Emitec Contributes to Environmental Goals

     Catalytic Converter Technologies Achieve Optimal Emissions Reduction

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 20 Today, there are more than
630 million cars in the world contributing to increased emissions in the
earth's atmosphere.  In response, the Earth Day 2000 U.S. Clean Energy Agenda
has called for improvements in emissions and fuel efficiencies by reducing
levels of air pollutants caused by vehicles.
    Emitec GmbH is staying one step ahead of current emissions legislation,
demonstrating the latest innovations in automotive emissions.  Through its
developments in metal substrates for high-performance catalytic converters,
Emitec is able to lower fuel consumption and emissions while providing a more
efficient, economical vehicle.
    "On Earth Day and every day, Emitec strives to exceed current emissions
standards while anticipating future regulations," said Wolfgang Maus, Emitec
president and CEO.  "We feel very strongly about producing cost-effective,
environmentally healthy automotive components to continue contributing
positively to the industry and the environment."
    Emitec identified three areas in the exhaust system critical to emissions
reduction:

    *  Placement -- With nearly 80 percent of pollutants emitted in the first
100 seconds before the catalyst reaches light-off temperature, the cold-start
phase is crucial to total emissions reduction.  Emitec's innovative
ConiCat(R), a conical metal catalytic converter substrate, allows installation
closer to the engine, shortening the cold-start phase.  Its compact size also
lends itself to easier installation while offering 10-15 percent greater
catalytic volume.
    *  Temperature -- Another critical factor in the shortening of the cold-
start phase is temperature.  The Emicat(R) by Emitec combines an electrically
heated catalyst, control logic and energy source to reach operational
temperature more quickly, thereby improving overall performance and emissions
reduction.
    *  Substrate Foils -- The thinner the metal foil used in the construction
of metal substrates, the greater the inner surface area for the conversion of
emissions.  Emitec's Super Foil(R) contains revolutionary ultra-thin foils
only .03 mm thick, allowing increased cell density (1,200 cells per square
inch) for reduced exhaust gas back-pressure and fuel consumption.

    Emitec GmbH, headquartered in Lohmar, Germany, is the leading designer and
manufacturer of metallic substrates for catalytic converters.  The company's
North American operations, Emitec Inc., are headquartered in Auburn Hills,
Mich., with a recently expanded manufacturing facility in Fountain Inn, S.C.