National Press Release

Opel Insignia to use epoxy-based adhesives in body structure

SCHWALBACH, Germany, March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Dow Automotive, as a supplier of crash durable adhesives that fulfil OEM requirements for both safety and weight-savings, continues to broaden the application base of this technology.

For the new Opel Insignia sedan, which replaces the Opel Vectra, Dow Automotive has been designated by General Motors as supplier of crash durable adhesives for body construction.

BETAMATE(TM) crash durable adhesives offer a broad range of properties that help achieve safety, weight-savings and production benefits. Properties include:

    --  Improved crash performance and safety classification
    --  Extended durability of body-in-white
    --  Better overall stiffness and improved handling performance
    --  Further down-gauging the body-in-white for weight reduction

With this application, Dow Automotive again demonstrates the value of bonding as joining technology in automotive construction and the recognition this high performance technology continues to achieve in the industry.

About Dow Automotive

Dow Automotive, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) and its affiliates, is a leading global provider of technology-driven solutions that meet consumer demands for vehicles that are safer, stronger, quieter, lighter, cleaner, more comfortable and stylish. The organization provides plastics, adhesives, glass bonding systems, emissions control technology, films, fluids, structural enhancement and acoustical management solutions to OEM, tier, aftermarket and commercial transportation customers around the world. For additional information about Dow Automotive products, services, and application development centres, visit www.dowautomotive.com.

About Dow

With annual sales of $58 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products.

References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

SOURCE The Dow Chemical Company