Press release

First customer for the joint venture set up in 2008
SB LiMotive to supply lithium-ion battery cells for
BMW's "Megacity Vehicle" project
Stuttgart/Seoul - SB LiMotive - the Samsung SDI and Bosch joint venture - wil supply lithium-ion battery cel s to BMW. The German automaker wil instal the battery cel s in its first electric car, which is currently being developed as part of the "Megacity Vehicle" project. The zero-emission vehicles wil go into series production in the first half of the next decade. "The decision is an important milestone on the way to series production of the Megacity Vehicle. The battery is a key component in any electric vehicle, since it determines its range and performance. In SB LiMotive, we have found a supplier that offers us the best available technology, and that combines German automotive competence with Korean battery know-how," said Norbert Reithofer, chairman of the BMW AG board, explaining the decision. Franz Fehrenbach, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH, said: "This success is mainly the result of SB LiMotive's efforts to enter the market with an innovative and competitive technology even before the company is one year old." And Soon Taek Kim, CEO of Samsung SDI, said "acquiring this project is an important step toward gaining a foothold in the market for electric cars." Young Woo Park, President of SB LiMotive: "Between now and 2013, we wil invest 500 mil ion U.S. dol ars in the development and manufacturing of lithium-ion cel s and battery systems for hybrid and electric cars." Dr. Joachim Fetzer, Executive Vice President of SB LiMotive, said: "We aim to quickly establish ourselves as a leading cel and battery system supplier in al markets worldwide. Out of 100 mil ion newly produced vehicles in 2020, we expect to see some three mil ion electric cars and plug-in hybrids as well as six mil ion hybrid vehicles." One of the main reasons why BMW opted for SB LiMotive's lithium-ion battery technology was the combined know-how of its parent companies Samsung SDI and Bosch. Samsung SDI brings extensive large-scale series production experience into the partnership, as well as manufacturing competence in the area of lithium-ion cel production. Moreover, the company is an innovation and development leader in the realm of lithium-ion technology. The company already produces a wide range of lithium-ion batteries for use in laptops, cel phones, and power tools. For its part, Bosch can contribute its comprehensive systems competence when it comes to integrating lithium-ion technology in the overal concept of the automobile. In its business unit for hybrid and electric drives, Bosch has comprehensive know-how in the areas of power electronics, electric motors, transmissions, and DC/DC converters. Some years ago, moreover, Bosch was the first power-tool manufacturer to successful y integrate lithium-ion batteries. The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 280,000 associates generated sales of 45.1 billion euros in fiscal 2008. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros, or eight percent of its sales revenue, for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering." The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH. SB LiMotive Co. Ltd was set up in September 2008 as a joint venture between Samsung SDI and Bosch. With locations in Giheung (Korea), Stuttgart (Germany), Orion and Springboro (USA), the company counts some 500 associates. SB LiMotive aims to develop and manufacture lithium-ion batteries for standard use in hybrid and electric vehicles. For further information, go to:

Source: http://www.bosch.hu/sajto/doc/MegacityVehicleEN.pdf