National Press Release

STUTTGART, Germany, June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert Bosch GmbH and the Korean company Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. have decided to set up a joint venture to develop, manufacture, and sell lithium-ion batteries. It is planned that the joint venture, which is to be named "SB LiMotive Co. Ltd." and to be headquartered in Korea, will start operations in September 2008. The shareholding of Robert Bosch GmbH will be 50 percent and that of Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. 50 percent -- both companies will be equally represented on the board of management and on the board of directors. The foundation of the joint venture is still subject to approval by antitrust authorities.

The companies plan to collaborate in the development, manufacture, and worldwide sale of lithium-ion batteries for automotive applications. Lithium-ion batteries are the basis for forward-looking technologies in the automobile, such as hybrid or electrical drives. In connection with its hybrid project unit, Bosch has already built up comprehensive expertise in areas such as power electronics, battery management, electric motors, transmissions, and DC/DC converters. The main focus of Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. is the further development of lithium-ion batteries, which it already produces for a large number of manufacturers of laptops, mobile phones, and power tools. In 2007 Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. has produced 376 million battery cells. Today, Samsung has an internationally leading position in lithium-ion battery cell technology.

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 271,000 associates generated sales of 46.3 billion euros in fiscal 2007. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in roughly 50 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3 billion euros for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. 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.

Samsung SDI is the worldwide name of Digital Display & Energy business. Over the past three decades, Samsung SDI has famed for display specific company and now is reborn as a digital mobile company through successful digital display and next generation energy business. Samsung SDI has been developing digital products of frontier level in the basis of world top display technology in the wide range from color Braun tube to leading flat display, PDP so called innovation of display, LCD and OLED the center of mobile display, and Lithium-ion Battery, the heart of information-technology devices. Also Samsung SDI is striving with endless efforts to build up the image of global company of trust and respect. It has introduced 'Sustainability Management' for the first time in Korea which is being the topic in the 21st Century management. Samsung SDI promises you a company leading the industry with advanced technology development and top quality products, expanding business of transparency for customers and shareholders, and being with you at all times as the true global leader in the digital world of the 21st Century.

Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com and www.samsungsdi.com .

SOURCE Robert Bosch GmbH