Date: June 2003

Kayaba, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of shock absorbers and suspension components, has appointed a new head for its European aftermarket operations.

Kayaba Europe GmbH has named Mr Hajime Sato as Managing Director. He will oversee the company’s divisions in the UK, France, Germany and Italy, as well as Spain, which opened last month, bringing the number of wholly owned subsidiaries to five.

Mr Sato has worked for Kayaba since 1981, and is no stranger to Europe, having been European Sales Manager between 1992 and 2001. For the past two years he has been in Japan working on the company’s global strategy.

Mr Sato replaces Mr Shinichiro Maekawa, who has taken up a new position within the organisation as President of Kayaba America, based in Chicago. He joins Mike Howarth, previously assistant general manager of Kayaba Europe and general manager of Kayaba UK, who moved to the North American division in December, as senior vice president.

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For further information, please

contact: Sue Clough

Kayaba UK

Tel: 01925 417444

E-mail: sue@kayaba.co.uk

Issued by: Jeremy Clarke

LawsonClarke Ltd

Tel: 01285 658844

E-mail: clarke@lawsonclarke.co.uk

Ref: KYB06/2003