The growth was attributed to strong sales in Asia, North America and South America.
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High demand worldwide for commercial vehicles and the increasing number of diesel engines (now almost 50%) in western Europe passenger cars also had a positive effect.
The acquisition of Cosworth Technology Group, now Mahle Powertrain on 1 January 2005, further contributed to growth.
Despite strong sales growth, Mahle expects only slight earnings growth due to high material prices and unfavourable exchange rates, along with continued pricing pressure from vehicle makers.
“Due to some unfavorable economic conditions, it took great effort to achieve the operating profit of the previous year,” said Mahle chairman Heinz Junker.
For 2006, Mahle expects further growth in sales, in particular from further increases in vehicle and engine production in Asia. It is striving for stable revenue, as expected material and worker cost increases should be offset by new programmes increasing productivity and efficiency.
