Interim report as of March 31, 2012

• Consolidated sales up 8% to €1.1 billion in the first quarter
• Automotive generates record sales and earnings
• Defence with strong growth in orders
• Consolidated EBIT of €45 million with still weak earnings contribution from Defence
• Forecasts for fiscal year 2012 confirmed

Rheinmetall has started 2012 with excellent performance in the Automotive sector and a muted first three months in the Defence sector. The Group remains on its growth path, generating new record sales of €1.1 billion in the first quarter.

The weak earnings performance in the Defence sector in the first quarter meant that consolidated earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) declined overall despite the record figures in the Automotive sector. Rheinmetall reported EBIT of €45 million in the first quarter compared with €77 million in the same period of the previous year.

The Company has confirmed its expectations for fiscal year 2012.

The review of the two-pillar strategy that was announced in 2011 will be continued. The IPO of the Automotive sector remains an option, although this will depend on the further development of the capital markets, among other things.