Koenigsegg AB Supply Agreement

16 Mar 2006 07:00

Embargoed: not to be released until 7.00am on 16 March 2006 Surface Transforms plc ("Surface Transforms" or "the Company") Supply Agreement with Koenigsegg Automotive AB Surface Transforms plc, the manufacturer of carbon fibre reinforced ceramic(CFRC) materials, is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement to supplyhigh performance, carbon ceramic automotive brake discs and components toKoenigsegg Automotive AB ("Koenigsegg") of Sweden.Based in Angelholm, Koenigsegg is an established European manufacturer with aten year history of producing high performance supercars. Koenigsegg has anumber of models in its product range with the most recent being the CCX, whichit launched at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. The list pricesof the cars are high, with the CCX typically selling for over ¢â€š¬450,000 each -the unique Koenigsegg engine produces over 800bhp with a 0-100 kph accelerationof 3.2 seconds. The CCX can be fitted with SystemST ceramic brakes as an optionbut Koenigsegg are of the view that most of its buyers will choose the newceramic brake system.This supply agreement is for an initial term of 12 months with a 3 month noticeclause, and it has an annual value of up to ‚£131,000. Ceramic brakes are alsobeing offered as an upgrade option to all pre-CCX model owners of Koenigsegg'scars.The Company's strategy is to be a pre eminent supplier of carbon ceramic discbrakes to the leading manufacturers of high performance cars. SystemST has beenunder development for over five years and the technical results show that theseceramic carbon brakes have superior braking, wear and surface corrosioncharacteristics when compared to `old' cast iron technology. SystemST typicallyreduces the unsprung weight of car by approximately 20 kgs when compared to itsiron equivalent. This can lead to an improvement in fuel economy and a lifespan five times longer than iron disc brakes.Technical data and car case histories are available and user enquiries managedon www.systemST.co.uk.Dr.Kevin Johnson, Managing Director of Surface Transforms plc, said:'This agreement represents a very welcome certification of SystemST carbonceramic brakes from a formidable designer and manufacturer of some of Europe'smost exciting supercars.'Christian Koenigsegg, founder and Managing Director of Koenigsegg AB, said:`We have worked closely with the Surface Transforms` teams to produce anexceptional ceramic brake system which further enhances our car's performance."For enquiries, please contact:Surface Transforms plc 0151 3737130Dr. Kevin JohnsonMr. Antoni SznerchJohn East & Partners Ltd (Nomad) 0207 628 2200Simon Clements, Johnny TownsendTeather & Greenwood (Broker) 0207 426 9000Mark Dickenson, Sindre OttesenDetails of the Company's business and financial performance and its share pricecan be found on www.armshare.com, which is accessed from the Armshare icon on www.surface-transforms.com. A webcast of the 2005 results is also available on www.surface-transforms.com/Investor and Media relations.ENDSURFACE TRANSFORMS PLC