Tognum Group subsidiary, MTU South Africa (Pty) Ltd, celebrates their ten year milestone, marking a journey of exceptional service and growth. The anniversary commemorates the success the company has achieved with the perseverance and dedication of staff over the past decade. Inception of the company started with a requirement from the South African government with an off-set obligation for direct industrial participation and the intention to focus on the South African Navy. For approximately thirty years MTU was represented in South Africa by previous distributor Prokura Diesel Services at Montague Gardens in Cape Town and Diesel & Turbo service Centre (Pty) Ltd. in Durban. Over the years the company has experienced a steady growth, with fully operational services in 10 locations across Africa, seven service dealers throughout Sub Sahara Africa and new operations in Zambia. In the last four years alone, 2007 – 2010, an annual growth rate of more than 19% was evident despite the global economic crisis in 2009. MTU SA is responsible for sales and support of MTU, Detroit Diesel and Mercedes Benz diesel engines and drive systems in a multitude of off-highway applications ranging from power generation, marine, C&I, mining, defense and rail. 

The company which has recently been awarded a level 5 BBBEE status, places great focus on the training and development of those coming from a legacy of being previously disadvantaged.  They aim to sustain and develop the expertise of their staff, thereby contributing significantly towards the attainment of national development and social imperatives. 

“Our success as a company would not have been possible without the loyal support of our customers, partners and employees over the years. This inspires us to further improve on the quality and level of service and products we offer to them,” says Michael Baumann, Managing Director MTU SA.

Today, the company holds many accolades, including their partnerships with the SA Navy where the majority of the vessels are powered by MTU engines, the Sishen Iron Ore Mine and Grootegeluk Coal Mine among others use MTU Series 4000 engines for their mining haul trucks. Black Rock Mine uses MTU’s newly launched Generator Sets for back up power and recently MTU SA delivered their 1000^th diesel engine to RSD, a division of DCD-DORBYL (Pty) Ltd.

Amongst the company’s other highly regarded achievements is the sought after Apprentice Training Programme, where future artisans receive the best training and coaching by qualified technicians from MTU SA following the German apprentice model. Since starting in 2007, the programme’s success has been significant in that, despite MTU South Africa being a reasonably small company, they display innovation with these activities and are setting a benchmark for other industry players to follow.

Festivities will be enjoyed in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, in honour of the occasion. “In 2011, we at MTU SA take pride in looking back at our achievements over the past ten years and the way we have grown in leaps and bounds. I extend a great thank you to our dedicated team whom without; we would not have reached and exceeded our goals set out, and I am positive that the next ten years will be a period of continued success,” says Michael Baumann, Managing Director MTU SA. 

About Tognum

With its two business units, Engines and Onsite Energy & Components, the Tognum Group is one of the world’s leading suppliers of engines, propulsion systems and distributed energy systems. These products are based on diesel engines with up to 9,100 kilowatts (kW) power output, gas engines up to 2,150 kW and gas turbines up to 45,000 kW.

 About MTU South Africa

MTU SA is a certified BEE Level 5 company.  Within the Tognum Group MTU South Africa is responsible for sales and support service of MTU diesel engines, propulsion systems and distributed energy systems in most of sub Sahara Africa. Engines are sold under the brand names of MTU, Detroit Diesel and Mercedes Benz industrial engines that deliver quality, reliability, dependability and design adequacy. The engines are used extensively throughout Africa and are renowned for superior performance under the most demanding of conditions.

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The successful Apprentice Training Programme, facilitated by MTU South Africa, a Tognum subsidiary welcomes home Apprentice of the Year 2010, Frederich Pfuhl. The annual Apprentice Training Programme gives a deserving Apprentice the opportunity to visit MTU Friedrichshafen in Germany for a six week training exchange. 

With 2011’s Apprentice Training Programme well under way, current Apprentice of the year, Pfuhl is back from his six week Mechatronics and product training on MTU engines typically used in South Africa. The training course is divided into three weeks of theory, two weeks on site visits to the engineering plants and one week on practical application of skills.

Pfuhl says that the training served as a refresher to concepts he was already familiar with but also allowed him to acquire new skills. Training at MTU Friedrichshafen also allowed him to see the greater scope of global MTU and the inner workings of their systems and processes. During his free time Pfuhl was able to explore and experience the German culture.

“I wish to thank MTU South Africa and MTU Friedrichshafen for giving me the opportunity to train in Germany. I have enjoyed learning new concepts of my trade as well as exploring the German Culture. I enriched myself both culturally and professionally, and am now eager to share the experience and knowledge with my peers. I would encourage any aspiring apprentice to pursue this career path as there is a demand for a workforce equipped with these specialised skills”, says Pfuhl.

Trainees, like Pfuhl, are selected for MTU SA’s four year long apprenticeship based on their school leaving certificate and any previous training received in the engineering field e.g. N2/3 Engineering studies, NCV L4, CBMT etc. A final criteria is based on the abovementioned, an interview and a competency test.

The training facilitated by qualified technicians from MTU SA entails practical learning as well as relevant theoretical training at Further Education and Training (FET) colleges and by other accredited training providers in South Africa. The curriculum is based on German apprentice training requirements, company requirements as well as the training schedule for “metal apprentices” as recommended by merSETA.

“The technical training programme is designed to train future artisans on the intricacies of engine assembly and servicing and also help them secure excellent career prospects. We look forward to awarding the title of Apprentice of the Year to the next deserving trainee, where he too will share in the experience as Frederich did”, explains James Arendse, MTU SA’s Apprentice Programme Training Coordinator.

With continuous success, the Apprentice Programme is currently running for the fourth consecutive year. As testament to the sought after skills training offered by the programme, MTU SA has also extended the training to two Navy trainees to gain the necessary on site experience working directly on board ships that are serviced by the MTU SA team in Simonstown.

“It is a great opportunity to be in the position to afford young South Africans this opportunity to equip themselves with the skills needed to be an asset to the industry and the country. We are pleased at the performance and progress of Frederich and look forward to seeing the further application of his skills and experience”, says Michael Baumann, Managing Director MTU South Africa.

Once trained, the artisans will service the diesel engine repair and maintenance fields for the company in Sub Saharan Africa. Pfuhl hopes to further specialise in Field Service which will allow him to travel and do repairs onsite. With Pfuhl‘s return, MTU SA is now planning the reciprocal visit of a German Apprentice to their workshops in South Africa. MTU SA, supplier of engines, complete propulsion and power systems in southern Africa holds an accreditation as a training establishment from the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA).

About Tognum

With its two business units, Engines and Onsite Energy & Components, the Tognum Group is one of the world’s leading suppliers of engines, propulsion systems and distributed energy systems. These products are based on diesel engines with up to 9,100 kilowatts (kW) power output, gas engines up to 2,150 kW and gas turbines up to 45,000 kW.

About MTU South Africa

Within the Tognum Group MTU South Africa is responsible for sales and support service of MTU diesel engines in most of sub Sahara Africa. Engines are sold under the Brand names of MTU, Detroit Diesel and Mercedes Benz industrial engines that deliver quality, reliability,

dependability and design adequacy. The engines are used extensively throughout Africa and are renowned for superior performance under the most demanding of conditions.

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As a reward for their high level of competence, the Tognum Group company MTU South Africa (PTY) Ltd, supplier of engines, complete propulsion and power systems in southern Africa has been awarded the Maintenance and Repair Contract (MARC) by Russo-Balt Belaz – a distributor of Belarus manufacturer of trucks. The company is operating in South Africa, for their five 220 tonnes trucks currently in use by TAU Mining Consultants at Sishen Iron Ore Mine, Northern Cape.

MTU SA will be responsible for the full maintenance and repair of all the company’s equipment at the mine. This encompasses the delivery of five Belaz’s haul trucks of 220 tonnes capacity, powered by MTU 16V 4000 engines to TAU Mining to be used in a contract at Sishen Iron Ore Mine.

“We are pleased and happy to be awarded this opportunity which will see us for taking care of the maintenance and repairs of these engines as it will not only show our competence in the industry but also the confidence that customers have on our service and products. We hope that our partnership with Belaz will add to the smooth operations of the mine,” says Michael Baumann, MTU SA’s Managing Director.

Since 2007, the Tognum Group has delivered engines as well as service features to Belaz. Belaz plant has developed over 500 dump trucks models of playload capacity from 30 to 360 tonnes and produced over 130 thousand dump truck units delivered in more than 70 countries worldwide within 65 years. Annual production of the plant is more than 2000 units of different kind of equipment. “MTU SA has demonstrated its ability to achieving high availability rate and quality of service with the engines. We hope that our partnership with MTU will even be more strengthened”, says Russo-Balt Belaz CEO Dmitry Venchik.

Being one of the first mines in the world involved in the development of the Series 4000 engine into solid and robust power unit for tough mining conditions, Sishen Mine is Kumba’s flagship operation and one of the largest open-pit iron ore mines in the world.

“We have advanced maintenance programs performed under MARC contracts. We work closely together with our customers to continuously enhance the performance of critical engine components and to improve on our service,” says Willem du Preez, Senior Manager Mining of MTU SA.

MTU SA supplies diesel engines under a brand name that delivers quality, reliability, dependability, design adequacy, excellent fuel consumption and low life cycle costs. Responsible for sales and support of MTU diesel engines, MTU South Africa focuses on products in Power Generation, Mining, Marine, Construction, Rail and Defense applications in the Sub-Saharan region.

For more information please visit www.mtu-online.co.za

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• New generation of MTU Series 2000 and 4000 engines for oil and gas applications presented at US trade show OTC
• Units both fuel-efficient and compliant with current US emissions standard EPA Tier 4 interim
• Good basis for satisfying stricter EPA Tier 4 final legislation due in 2015

Tognum, the specialist for propulsion and power solutions, showcased its new generation of MTU Series 2000 and 4000 engines for the growth market oil and gas industry. The engines displayed at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston comply with EPA Tier 4 interim, the current US emissions standard.

They do so without the need for exhaust gas aftertreatment, and with even lower fuel consumption than before. They also provide the basis for Tognum’s current development work on

engine compliance with Tier 4 final, the even tighter emissions regulations to apply in the US from 2015. Here as well, Tognum is looking for an in-engine solution. The new-generation engines satisfying the Tier 4 interim stage are to be introduced gradually onto the market in the second half of 2011. “The market for oil and gas applications has huge growth potential and the launching of our new engines will swiftly strengthen our market position,” explained Volker Heuer, CEO of Tognum AG. “What sets our drive systems apart is the fact that they are both low on fuel consumption and low on emissions, which brings down life-cycle costs overall. That achievement again puts us at the forefront of technological progress.”

The new-generation Series 2000 engines cover the 858 to 1,163 kW output range and are suitable for powering pumps, mixers and drilling rigs. They consume up to ten percent less fuel than their predecessors, although the current emissions stage they have to satisfy is much more

demanding. Their combination of fuel efficiency and longer maintenance intervals for specific components reduces life-cycle costs significantly.

The new Series 4000 engine generation is built for a higher output of 1,678 to 1,864 kW and is primarily used for powering mobile hydraulic fracturing rigs. These are pumps which use a special fluid to fracture rock layers under high pressure so that natural gas and crude oil reserves can be tapped in greater quantities and more economically. The new Series 4000 engines consume up to five percent less fuel than the previous generation and provide a bigger torque range at low speeds with an optimum power-to-weight ratio.

Ends/

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The Tognum Group company MTU South Africa (PTY) Ltd, supplier of engines, complete propulsion and power systems in southern Africa has recently expanded its services to Zambia in an effort to increase direct support to the company’s OEM’s in South Africa as well as its reach and quality of service to customers in Zambia.

MTU SA recognised Zambia as a fast developing mining region and with a well established relationship with Sandvik Mining and Construction, Zambia; the company is now expanding its footprint into copper belt. With this expansion, which arose in December 2010, MTU SA will be in a better position to focus on parts availability and offer clients in the region expert technical support.

“With a focus on total measurable advantages, MTU South Africa has displayed a win – win philosophy during the last few years to our customers. With our coverage well in place to deliver a world class service within the borders of South Africa, it came as no surprise when we were approached to be directly involved in other regions as well,” says Michael Baumann Managing Director of MTU SA.

In general, the MTU sales and service in Zambia is provided by MTU South Africa but with a focus on the Mercedes Benz and Detroit Diesel product range that has proven to be the number one choice in many of the underground mining equipment. The MTU Series 2000 and 4000 mining engines operational in Zambia will be supported by the MTU distributor Diamond Motors that also covers the sales and service for all MTU engines in the countries Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

MTU plays a significant role in the mining sector providing the mines with effective emergency back-up power for their operations. MTU supplies various mines in Sub Saharan Africa in the following applications:

• Diesel engines for very heavy mine dump trucks – mainly with diesel-electric drives
• Engines for power stations with output from 5 to 100 MW
• Specialised applications such as gensets for heavy load equipment, e.g. excavators
• Engines for shunting locomotives

About Tognum
With its two business units, Engines and Onsite Energy & Components, the Tognum Group is one of the world’s leading suppliers of engines, propulsion systems and distributed energy systems. These products are based on diesel engines with up to 9,100 kilowatts (kW) power output, gas engines up to 2,150 kW and gas turbines up to 45,000 kW.

About MTU South Africa
Within the Tognum Group MTU South Africa is responsible for sales and support service of MTU diesel engines in most of sub Sahara Africa. Engines are sold under the

brand names of MTU, Detroit Diesel and Mercedes Benz industrial engines that deliver quality, reliability, dependability and design adequacy. The engines are used extensively throughout Africa and are renowned for superior performance under the most demanding of conditions.

Ends/

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Zukiswa Nomnganga

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Tognum Group company MTU South Africa (PTY) Ltd, supplier of combustion engines, complete propulsion and power systems in southern Africa is proud to announce yet another milestone with their engine’s performance and reliability on the Madarail project. The five locomotives, equipped with MTU 12V4000R41 engines have successfully accumulated 15,000 operating hours each in approximately 30 months without any unscheduled downtime.

The Madarail project was successfully inaugurated in 2007 where MTU equipped the five new locomotives manufactured by China South Rail – Sifang with engines.  The new AD1800 class locomotives have increased the capacity of Madarail freight to 700,000 tonnes p.a.

“We are pleased at the results and the success we have achieved with the Madarail project. MTU is confident that our engines will continue to meet the requirements and high expectations of our clients as well as benefit them,” says Michael Baumann, Managing Director MTU South Africa.

Powered by MTU engines, the locomotives have increased productivity and reduced operating costs through the excellent fuel consumption and low maintenance costs. The engines having reached the 15,000 hour running capacity benchmark, they are now due for the QL3 service interventions.

Madarail is the rail operator in Madagascar and has a network of approximately 780 km of track stretching from the main port of Toamasina, inland to the capital city Antananarivo, and two branch lines in the North and in the South. “MTU would like to thank and recognise Madarail for their best practice of a disciplined approach in adhering to maintenance as recommended by the engine manufacturer,” continues Baumann.

With its powers of innovation, reliability and system engineering skills, MTU offers a unique level of traction system expertise and outstanding product quality. The current MTU traction system technology provides a sound basis for competing on more than equal grounds in the areas of life cycle costs, reliability and emission levels. MTU South Africa also provides clients with a basic maintenance plan for the engines which includes the service of the engines and supplying of spare parts.

About Tognum
With its two business units, Engines and Onsite Energy & Components, the Tognum Group is one of the world’s leading suppliers of engines, propulsion systems and distributed energy systems. These products are based on diesel engines with up to 9,100 kilowatts (kW) power output, gas engines up to 2,150 kW and gas turbines up to 45,000 kW.

About MTU South Africa
Within the Tognum Group MTU South Africa is responsible for sales and support service of MTU diesel engines in most of sub Sahara Africa. Engines are sold under the Brand names of MTU, Detroit Diesel and Mercedes Benz industrial engines that deliver quality, reliability, dependability and design adequacy. The engines are used extensively throughout Africa and are renowned for superior performance under the most demanding of conditions.

Ends/

For more information please visit www.mtu-online.co.za

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Two months after the initial 2011 registrations opened, the JSE education department is pleased to announce the first high school monthly winners in the various portfolios of the 2011 JSE/Liberty Investment Challenge. The Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng provinces have claimed top spots in this first round of the competition. The biggest of its kind in South Africa, the Investment Challenge aims to educate high school learners and university students on the ins and outs of trading on the stock market.

The March winner for the Income Portfolio is team “Zibonele” from Amabhele High School in Port Elizabeth. Led by Wilberforce Magala, this team has set a great benchmark for other contenders in this portfolio, putting the Eastern Cape on the map. “We are so happy to be crowned winners of the March round of the competition. We entered this competition to represent the Eastern Cape and I think we are doing a great job so far,” says Magala.  Sponsored by Imara SP Reid, a subsidiary of the Botswana financial services group Imara Holdings Limited, this ensemble earned an impressive income of R8 373, 32.

Cape Town based DF Malan High School took first place in the Equity Growth Portfolio when their “Beat Us” team grew by 8.69%. This team is led by teacher Marius Mells, a regular mentor of the school’s applicants - his teams took top honors as first and second place winners in the Equity Portfolio at the over-all winners’ ceremony last year.

According to DF Malan High School teacher, Mr. Marius Mells, “It’s a great feeling to be announced winners in this leg of the competition. Two of the boys in this team are entering for the second time this year. After coming second place in last year’s finals they are looking to do better this time. They are both very passionate about this competition as they would one day like to follow a career in investment and shared trading.”

“As the JSE we are pleased to announce the March winners of the Investment Challenge. We hope they will inspire other non-registered schools to come on board and take part in this thrilling annual competition. To those entrants who didn’t win this month, there’s still six more months for you to prove yourselves before the over-all champions are crowned in October. As we celebrate the achievements of our initial monthly winners, we wish all teams the best of luck for the next month,” says Senior General Manager of JSE Education, Maureen Dlamini.

With a growth of 11.12%, first place from the high risk Speculator Portfolio went to “The Enterprise V 1.2” from Parktown Boys High School. “I’m so proud of the boys, they are working very hard,” says Parktown Boys teacher and mentor Akishka Duttoo. “Based on this and their sterling performance last year I’m sure they’ll secure a place in the finals. This is a good start for them.” The Johannesburg based, all-boys-school cleaned up at last year’s awards ceremony when they occupied the top five positions in the same portfolio.

The four students in each of these teams have earned themselves R500 for best performance in their respective portfolios. A further R500 has been awarded to their school as well as another R500 for their teacher or mentor.

According to Andrew Warren, Executive at Liberty Retail SA Marketing, “Being financially savvy is an important element of wealth creation and we at Liberty are pleased to be a part of an initiative that enhances the lives of our youth. As we announce the first monthly winners of this year’s investment challenge, we hope that more learners will acknowledge that now is the time to invest in their futures.”

In addition to being the winners in the March JSE/Liberty Investment Challenge the participants are also gaining exposure and experience on financial and life skills such as budgeting, economic research and team work. This in turn assists the learners in deciding on their future career paths.

The Investment Challenge runs until end September this year and is open to all learners from any South African high school. Students from universities and independent colleges are also eligible to participate. Income (low risk), Equity Growth (moderate risk) and Speculator (high risk) are three of the risk portfolios from which high school learners can choose to compete while university students can only compete in the Speculator Portfolio. All school entrants must be in teams of four and have to be supervised by a teacher or mentor. University teams must consist of a minimum of two members and a maximum of four.

At the end of the competition, five prizes amounting to R60 000 per portfolio will be awarded to the overall winners of the Income, Equity Growth and Speculator Portfolios. For the Universities and Colleges, a top prize of an all expenses paid overseas trip is up for grabs.

Registration is open continuously throughout the JSE/ Liberty Investment Challenge for high schools. Each team will be required to pay a registration fee of R120 per team per portfolio entered. Registration forms are obtainable from their website http://schools.jse.co.za or http://university.jse.co.za; mobisite: http://schools.jse.co.za/mobile or http://university.jse.co.za/mobile or contact the Investment Challenge coordinators on

011 – 520 7116/ 7344/ 7168. For more tips and interactions, also check out Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/JSELiberty-Investment-Challenge/352982065154 ,Twitter: http://twitter.com/JSELiberty_Game

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After an influx of applications from possible future artisans for the Apprentice training programme which is due to start in April, Tognum subsidiary, MTU South Africa (PTY) Ltd, is pleased to announce their new intake of apprentices for 2011.

Proving to be exceedingly successful, the Apprentice programme is currently running for the fourth consecutive year. Currently four new trainees have been selected for the four year long apprenticeship based on their school leaving certificate and any previous training received in the engineering field e.g. N2/3 Engineering studies, NCV L4, CBMT etc.

A final criteria is based on the abovementioned and as well as an interview and a competency test. The structured programme, designed to train future artisans on the intricacies of engine assembly and servicing, will be facilitated by qualified technicians from MTU SA.

“The apprenticeship programme is becoming a sought after accolade amongst young aspiring artisans. We receive a multitude of applications yearly and this is testament to the success of the programme. We are pleased to be able to afford young South Africans this opportunity to equip themselves with the skills needed to be an asset to the industry”, says James Arendse, MTU SA’s Apprentice Programme Training Coordinator.

The training entails practical learning conducted in the company’s newly refurbished training facility in Cape Town and workshops based in Simon’s Town and Johannesburg. It also entails relevant theoretical training at Further Education and Training (FET) colleges and by other accredited training providers in South Africa.  MTU SA has appointed a dedicated “Apprentice Trainer” to train, guide, coach and monitor the development and progress of the trainees. The curriculum being based on the German apprentice training requirements, company requirements as well as the training schedule for “metal apprentices” as recommended by the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA). merSETA plays a central role in making sure that the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) is fulfilled.

“The technical training programme, incorporating practical workshop training and vocational college courses is designed to equip artisans entering the workforce with specialised skills which will help them secure excellent career prospects”, explains Michael Baumann, Managing Director MTU South Africa.

Each year the best apprentice will have the opportunity to visit MTU Friedrichshafen in Germany for a six week exchange programme. Apprentice of the year for 2010, Frederich Pfuhl, is both proud and excited for having achieved such excellence and looks forward to partake in the exchange programme. “I thank MTU South Africa for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity to train in Germany. I have learnt so much during the past year and am eager to use these skills upon my return”, says Pfuhl.

Once trained, the artisans will service the diesel engine repair and maintenance fields for the company in Sub Saharan Africa. MTU SA, supplier of engines, complete propulsion and power systems in southern Africa holds an accreditation as a training establishment from the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA).

About Tognum
With its two business units, Engines and Onsite Energy & Components, the Tognum Group is one of the world’s leading suppliers of engines, propulsion systems and distributed energy systems. These products are based on diesel engines with up to 9,100 kilowatts (kW) power output, gas engines up to 2,150 kW and gas turbines up to 45,000 kW.

About MTU South Africa
Within the Tognum Group MTU South Africa is responsible for sales and support service of MTU diesel engines in most of sub Sahara Africa. Engines are sold under the Brand names of MTU, Detroit Diesel and Mercedes Benz industrial engines that deliver quality, reliability, dependability and design adequacy. The engines are used extensively throughout Africa and are renowned for superior performance under the most demanding of conditions.

Ends/

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• Strengthening Tognum’s market position
• Alliance with two financially strong companies
• Large investments in R&D and property, plant and equipment secured for the long term
• Friedrichshafen remains site of Group headquarters

Friedrichshafen 9, March 2011. Daimler AG and Rolls-Royce Group plc announced their decision to make a joint offer to acquire the entire share capital of Tognum AG. The Management Board will review the offer and in due course issue a statement to Tognum’s shareholders in accordance with Section 27 of the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (WpÜG).

The Board of Management of Tognum AG in principle welcomes this step. “We would create one of the world’s technology leaders in propulsion systems and distributed energy systems,” said Volker Heuer, CEO of Tognum AG: “For us, Daimler and Rolls-Royce would be two financially strong strategic investors, who have made a clear commitment to Tognum’s continued internal and external growth strategy. It would put us in an excellent position to play an active role in shaping the further consolidation of the market.”

An alliance with Daimler and Rolls-Royce would strengthen the company’s market position. For Daimler and Rolls-Royce, Tognum is to become the platform for future growth in the markets for propulsion systems and distributed energy systems.

The product portfolios and market access of the companies would complement each other attractively and, for Tognum and Rolls-Royce in particular, open up new possibilities for working together. Combined, the two companies would cover the entire spectrum of medium and high-speed diesel engines for complete propulsion systems. Moreover, they would benefit from complementary additions to their energy product portfolios. As both companies offer different products in similar markets, this would create significant procurement and sales synergies. The move would also open up additional growth opportunities to Tognum in the BRIC countries.

A partnership would give Tognum AG additional investment security for the future. Under an agreement in principle, Daimler and Rolls-Royce declared their intention to secure Tognum AG’s technology leadership through expenditure on research and development and investments in property, plant and equipment. As a technology leader, the company has already carried out extensive research to arm itself for the increasingly stricter emissions regulations, especially from 2014. It is also envisaged that Rolls-Royce would take over Tognum’s fuel cell business, which the company had already decided to discontinue for commercial reasons.

Under the agreement in principle, Daimler and Rolls-Royce furthermore declared their intention that Friedrichshafen should remain the headquarters of the company as well as the research, development and production site for propulsion systems and energy systems. The new parent company would also be domiciled in Friedrichshafen. “This step would strengthen Friedrichshafen as the headquarters of Tognum AG,” said Joachim Coers, Deputy Chairman of Tognum AG. “It is particularly important to us that no job cuts are planned and that the Südwestmetall framework collective wage agreement would continue to apply,” added Coers.

As yet, no agreement regarding the offer price was achieved.

About Tognum
With its two business units, Engines and Onsite Energy & Components, the Tognum Group is one of the world’s leading suppliers of engines, propulsion systems and distributed energy systems. These products are based on diesel engines with up to 9,100 kilowatts (kW) power output, gas engines up to 2,150 kW and gas turbines up to 45,000 kW.

About MTU South Africa
Within the Tognum Group MTU South Africa is responsible for sales and support service of MTU diesel engines in most of sub Sahara Africa. Engines are sold under the Brand names of MTU, Detroit Diesel and Mercedes Benz industrial engines that deliver quality, reliability, dependability and design adequacy. The engines are used extensively throughout Africa and are renowned for superior performance under the most demanding of conditions. Ends/

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Over the years, MTU South Africa (PTY) Ltd, a subsidiary of Tognum Group company, has been successful in positioning themselves as a reliable industry supplier in the Power Generation and Mining sectors in southern Africa. With years of experience as supplier of engines, complete propulsion and power systems to the market, the company significantly contribute to the industry by constantly improving their products and services.

MTU has an extensive product range which includes the Diesel and Gas Genset (Generating sets) in the range of 250 – 3.300 kVA.  With this range, the customer receives a broad power variety out of one engine family. Customers like Telkom, Vodacom and MTN rely on MTU engines as an emergency back-up supplier for their data centres and other energy critical facilities. In contrast to this emergency application, MTU engines also provide a continuous power supply to operations all over Africa.

MTU also plays a significant role in the mining sector providing the mines with effective emergency back-up power for their operations. Mine operators request state of the art technology with the best fuel consumption and reliability in rough environments. MTU supplies various mines in Sub Saharan Africa in the following applications:

• Electric propulsion systems for heavy mine dump trucks
• Engines for Power Stations in the region of 5 – 100 MW
• Specialised applications such as motivators (Gensets for heavy load equipment, i.e. excavators)

“As a testament to MTU’s innovation and its role in the development of new technologies, MTU Onsite Energy received a Gold Award in the sixth annual Product of the Year competition for its diesel-powered Genset based on the all-new MTU Series 1600 engine. We are honored to have received this award as validation for the work we do, and will continue to extend our product range which will benefit the industry”, says Philipp von Arnim, MTU SA’s Sales Manager for MTU Onsite Energy.

The awards were sponsored by Consulting Specifying Engineer magazine, and recognise the best products introduced in 2009, according to votes cast by professional engineers in 10 categories.

In 2008, MTU SA showed true innovation when they received the first order for the 20V4000 engine range with a power output of up to 3.3 MVA.  Previously, the power range for high speed diesel engines in Gensets was limited to approx 2 MVA within South African Power Generation specialists. End customers as well as OEMs rely on large single engines rather than synchronising smaller sets with the MTU 20V4000 engine being the engine of choice when it comes to large scale power requirements.

Being aware of trends and developments within the industry, MTU focused on engine Emission Optimisation where engines had to prove their capability of offering the best fuel consumption in recent years.  Von Arnim adds that “larger consumers are becoming more concerned about their carbon footprint and this has an impact on the operation and capabilities of the respective Gensets”. MTU engines, with special software, can alter the requirement from fuel optimised engines to emission optimised engines. Emission values that can be achieved are in line with current standards, such as the German TA Luft (50 HZ) and the American EPA Tier 2 (60 Hz). “We predict that by 2015, the majority of MTU engines for Power Generation in South Africa will be sold in accordance with its emission regulations”, continues von Arnim.

With the Power & Electricity Week coming up in April, the competent team of experts from MTU Onsite Energy will be present to answer any questions relating to Power Generation.  Members from the industry will also be able to view their latest Series 1600 engine on exhibition. New models will be released in South Africa later this year, including the 6R1600 with 250 – 300 kWm output. Information will also be available regarding the latest developments on the MTU Gas application, detailing what the first projects being lined up are and where the first predicted installations of Biogas Generating sets will take place.

With a power range of 300 to 3.300 kVA, MTU South Africa offers a wide spectrum of products to the African power generation (Powergen) market as a “full-line” supplier.

MTU also provide clients with a basic maintenance plan for the engines which include the service of the engines and supplying of spare parts.

About Tognum
With its two business units, Engines and Onsite Energy & Components, the Tognum Group is one of the world’s leading suppliers of engines, propulsion systems and distributed energy systems. These products are based on diesel engines with up to 9,100 kilowatts (kW) power output, gas engines up to 2,150 kW and gas turbines up to 45,000 kW.

About MTU South Africa|
Within the Tognum Group MTU South Africa is responsible for sales and support service of MTU diesel engines in most of sub Sahara Africa. Engines are sold under the Brand names of MTU, Detroit Diesel and Mercedes Benz industrial engines that deliver quality, reliability, dependability and design adequacy. The engines are used extensively throughout Africa and are renowned for superior performance under the most demanding of conditions. Ends/

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