- 2 November 2006 -

Indian expansion for Mann+Hummel

Mann+Hummel has inaugurated Mann+Hummel Filter Private Limited, a 100% subsidiary company, based in Tumkur, India. Mann+Hummel Filter Private Limited will concentrate on the sale of Mann-Filter products for the automotive and industrial aftermarket, as well as Indian OEM business and other fields of activity of the company.

Mann+Hummel established its presence in India with the creation of a sales office near Bangalore in 2003 to promote sales in India. The company then intensified its activities in the country by establishing Mann and Hummel Filter Private Limited in 2005.

The expansion of the Indian business is an important milestone within the group's strategic activities, the company says. Mann+Hummel now reportedly plans to focus attention on Asia as third support column in addition to Europe with its borders extending eastward, and America, which includes the NAFTA region, Brazil and Argentina. The company aims to be one of the top five suppliers in its segment in Asia by 2008.

" India is one of the fastest growing automotive markets in the world, and the fifth most important economic power," said Peter Wink, Mann+Hummel's MD, India operations. "Vehicle sales have increased on average by 20% every year since 2002, that is, twice as fast as the growth in gross domestic product. This huge potential in the automotive markets itself can drive demand for Mann+Hummel in India ."

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