Contact us Home Corporate Investor Market Technology Library Investor Contact SinterCast Ask the President Investor CEO Interviews Business Model Corporate Governance Financial Reports General Meetings (AGM/EGM) Five Year Summary The Share Presentations Shareholders Financial Calendar Contact SinterCast Ask the President (current) Ask the President The "Ask the President" section of the SinterCast website provides an opportunity for our Customers, our shareholders and the media to pose questions directly to the Company. This open access forum is intended to improve the efficiency of the information flow by allowing everyone to share in the responses issued by the Company. Review the current archive of questions and responses below. Please submit your question (maximum length 200 words) using the following form. Your question will then be posted together with a response from the Company. Please submit each question separately. Although we will try to reply to all questions, we will continue to respect the confidence of our customers and not disclose any specific details about production commitments, volumes, or fees. * Required fields First name * Last name * Telephone Number * E-mail * Are you a Shareholder Customer Media Representative Other Do you want your name to appear together with the question * Yes No Your question * Previous Questions 06 APRIL 2021 The 6 April press release regarding the Impro foundry in Mexico states that the production capacity of the new foundry will be 60,000 tonnes per year. Will all of this production be CGI? The Impro production complex in Mexico, with five manufacturing facilities, has been established to: expand the global footprint of Impro Industries; to better serve the Impro customers in the Americas; and to avoid the tariffs that are currently imposed on metal components between China and the USA. As stated in the press release, the first CGI component to be produced at the Mexican foundry will be the transfer of an existing SinterCast-CGI component that is currently being produced at the Impro foundry in China and exported to the US. Impro estimates that the total production capacity of the new foundry will be 60,000 tonnes per year of shipped castings, including grey iron, ductile iron and CGI components. The production mix will depend on the transfer of programmes from the Impro foundry in China and the receipt of new series production orders. While the initial CGI volume will be modest, we are confident that it will grow as the market demand for CGI continues to develop. Considering the diverse range of components traditionally produced by Impro – including suspension, structural and safety components – it is likely that the foundry will maintain a mix of ductile iron, grey iron and CGI, but there are no technical reasons that would limit the CGI volume. 15 FEBRUARY 2021 For the FAW 16L engine, the English version of the 4Q20 Interim Report referred to the “cylinder block” while the Swedish version referred to the “cylinder head”. Can you please clarify if the production opportunity is for the block, the head, or both? 15 FEBRUARY 2021 According to the 4Q20 Interim Report: "SinterCast is also investigating the development of other unique technologies – within and beyond the scope of thermal analysis – to improve quality and production efficiency in the metals industry, and to broaden our product portfolio and our production base.” Is this statement referring to the suite of tracking products only or does it also include other concepts that have not yet become industrialised and released to market? 18 NOVEMBER 2020 Commercial vehicle OEMs have made recent announcements about investments in electric powertrain technologies. How could these announcements influence the demand for CGI and the future for SinterCast? 04 SEPTEMBER 2019 During the first half of the year, the Sampling Cup volume decreased from 101,300 in 2018 to 86,200 in 2019. At the same time, the series production increased from 2.6 million Engine Equivalents to 3.25 million Engine Equivalents. Why has the Sampling Cup volume decreased by 15% while the series production has increased by 25%? 24 APRIL 2019 SinterCast previously published a CEO audio interview after each interim report. Will there be a CEO audio interview after the 1Q Report? 24 MAY 2017 The EPA has filed a civil court case against FCA for Model Year 2014-16 diesel engines. How does this affect SinterCast? 17 JANUARY 2017 Following the diesel emissions scandal, Volkswagen has announced that it will stop selling diesel vehicles in the US. Last week, the EPA issued a Notice of Violation to FCA regarding the 3.0 litre diesel used in Ram and Jeep vehicles. In addition to this, there are ongoing discussions regarding new emissions legislations that could limit diesel vehicles. Can you comment on these developments. 30 SEPTEMBER 2016 General Motors has announced an upgrade to the 6.6L V8 Duramax diesel with 12% more horsepower and 19% more torque. The cylinder block was announced as grey iron with induction hardening. Can you comment on the engine and the choice of cylinder block material? Shareholder, name withheld 24 MARCH 2016 Finansinspektionen has reported that Steve Dawson has sold 3,500 shares. Can you comment on the sale? Shareholder, name withheld 03 NOVEMBER 2015 The Volkswagen 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine is now under question in the United States. Can SinterCast comment on this? Shareholder, name withheld 22 SEPTEMBER 2015 Do the Volkswagen diesel exhaust investigations in the US affect SinterCast? Shareholder, name withheld 29 JULY 2015 Series production revenue for the second quarter (SEK 15.4 million) was lower than the first quarter (SEK 16.3 million), despite that the production volume increased from 2.0 million Engine Equivalents to 2.2 million Engine Equivalents. Can you explain this apparent contradiction? Shareholder, name withheld 16 MAY 2015 SinterCast no longer appears on the Penser website. Has the agreement with Erik Penser Bankaktiebolag been terminated? 03 MARCH 2015 What are the main differences between a Mini-System 3000 and a full System 3000? As I understand it, customers start with a Mini-System 3000 and then upgrade to a full System 3000 for series production? How large does the production need to be before the foundry needs to change the system? 08 JANUARY 2014 The Production Fee is an important source of revenue. How does SinterCast ensure that the production volumes are accurately reported, particularly as the number of licensees increases? Will the growth of the business require more administrative resources and costs in the future? Shareholder, name withheld 21 OCTOBER 2013 What are the benefits of using CGI instead of aluminium in a petrol engine? Shareholder, name withheld 26 JUNE 2012 I have seen recent media reports about the harmful effects of particulate emissions from diesel engines. Will these reports influence the future development of diesel engines? Shareholder, name withheld 07 JUNE 2012 Tupy has announced the start of production of cylinder blocks and heads at its new foundry line in Joinville, Brazil. Can SinterCast confirm if it is involved in the new foundry. 26 JANUARY 2012 In previous Interim Reports, SinterCast has referred to a new System 3000 installation and the start of series production at an "undisclosed international" cylinder block and head foundry. Can you confirm if PurePOWER is the undisclosed foundry. 16 DECEMBER 2011 The second year of the employee stock option programme 2010-2013 ended on 15 December 2011. Can you please inform if the employees subscribed for shares according to the original agreements or if the Board compensated the employees with cash, as authorised by the shareholders at the 2011 AGM? 05 MAY 2011 Can you please comment on the new format of the Interim Report, specifically on the replacement of the production outlook table and the section related to the deferred tax asset? Shareholder, name withheld 04 MARCH 2011 I am very pleased with the announcement of SinterCast’s first dividend. Can you please explain how the company determined the amount of the dividend. Shareholder, name withheld 04 NOVEMBER 2010 The production volumes in the near-term market opportunity table provided in the 3Q Report increased, but the revenue figures did not increase. Can you please explain this? Shareholder, name withheld 05 MAY 2010 The near-term market opportunity presented in the 1Q10 report was 4.1 million Engine Equivalents. This is lower than the 4.3 million Engine Equivalents presented in the 4Q09 report. Can you comment on the reason for the reduction when the automotive industry seems to be increasing its predictions? Shareholder, name withheld 04 FEBRUARY 2010 The Swedish government's venture capital company for the automotive industry, Fouriertransform, has today invested SEK 40 million in NovaCast, acquiring 33% of the capital and 24% of the votes. Given that NovaCast is a potential competitor to SinterCast, could SinterCast please comment on the fact that its Chairman, Ulla-Britt Fräjdin-Hellqvist, is also a member of the Fouriertransform Board. Shareholder, name withheld 19 JUNE 2009 SinterCast’s largest shareholder, Gandhara Capital, has sold its shares. Can SinterCast comment on the transaction? Shareholder, name withheld 19 DECEMBER 2008 Can you please comment on the effect of the global economic crisis on SinterCast’s current activities and business outlook for 2009. Shareholder, name withheld 21 NOVEMBER 2007 Beginning with the 22 August 2007 half-year report, SinterCast introduced a new section entitled “Market Outlook”. The outlook refers to the “near-term” as “3~5 years”. How is the nearest 2-year period accounted for in the “near-term”? Shareholder, name withheld 21 FEBRUARY 2007 Does SinterCast have any plans to apply its technology to other materials or to broaden its focus to include alternative products or technologies? Shareholder, name withheld 12 FEBRUARY 2007 How do the recent EU discussions regarding CO2 emissions targets of 120 g/km by 2012 affect SinterCast? Shareholder, name withheld 10 NOVEMBER 2006 During the 13 September 2006 Small Cap Seminar, you showed the increasing trend for Sampling Cup shipments since 2001 and suggested that this was a good means of monitoring SinterCast’s growth. The 3Q Report issued on 8 September shows a 48% growth in Sampling Cup shipments compared to 3Q05, which is positive. However, the deliveries thus far during 2006 have declined (10,800 in Q1 vs. 9,300 in Q2 and 7,100 in Q3). Can you comment on this declining trend? Shareholder, name withheld 02 NOVEMBER 2006 I have recently read some information about joint industry-government projects for the development of new material technologies related to the automotive industry. Is SinterCast involved in these projects? Shareholder, name withheld 19 SEPTEMBER 2006 Earlier this year, International Truck and Engine Company introduced its new ‘Big Bore’ 11 and 13 litre engines, specifically referring to a CGI cylinder block. Likewise, on 24 August, General Motors announced a new V8 diesel engine for the North American pick-up truck market, with specific reference to a CGI cylinder block. Can SinterCast comment on these new CGI announcements? Shareholder, name withheld 19 SEPTEMBER 2006 A recently published article indicated that the MAN D08, D20 and D26 commercial vehicle engines are all based on a “common construction”. Does this mean that all of these engines will use the same SinterCast-CGI cylinder block? Shareholder, name withheld 23 AUGUST 2006 The turnover for April-June 2006 has decreased compared to the same period in 2005. Can you please comment on this result? Shareholder, name withheld 15 AUGUST 2005 Can you please comment on the Operating Result breakdown for Europe, Asia and the Americas provided in the January-June Interim Report. Why is the European result negative? Shareholder, name withheld 14 JULY 2005 Do cylinder heads have the same narrow CGI specification requirements as cylinder blocks? Shareholder, name withheld 16 MARCH 2005 Can you explain the technical and commercial opportunities of the new global alliance with Ashland? Shareholder, name withheld 21 DECEMBER 2004 Following the recent Press Releases about Tupy, can you compare the current status to the indications made in the Tupy presentation at the SinterCast Annual Shareholder meeting on 20 April 2004? Shareholder, name withheld 16 NOVEMBER 2004 Can you please explain why there will not be any Audio Q&A event following the January-September 2004 Interim Report? Shareholder, name withheld 16 NOVEMBER 2004 Can you provide any additional information about the new engine that is being completed for Ford’s Premier Automotive Group (PAG)? Shareholder, name withheld 15 NOVEMBER 2004 A September 10 Bloomberg report stated that Tupy “is refusing new orders for engine blocks and heads”. How does this affect SinterCast and the six new CGI programs announced at the 20 April 2004 AGM? Shareholder, name withheld 15 SEPTEMBER 2004 Are there any CGI engine projects that have reached a point where they cannot stop, and that have not yet been publicly announced? Shareholder, name withheld 14 SEPTEMBER 2004 During the 18 August 2004 Q&A WebCast, I believe that you suggested that the Tupy announcements of six new CGI programs would be made “before the end of 2006”, rather than “2004”as was originally presented at the SinterCast Annual Shareholder meeting on 20 April 2004. Can you please clarify this. Shareholder, name withheld 12 SEPTEMBER 2004 What is the "lifetime" of one Sampling Cup? Can a smart end-user extend this lifetime? Can SinterCast meet the future demand for the Sampling Cup production with the current production capacity or will new tooling investment be required? Shareholder, name withheld 04 AUGUST 2004 At the AGM on 20 April 2004, SinterCast suggested that there would be a Shareholder Day during the autumn, including Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles with the SinterCast V6 engine. What is the current status of the meeting? Shareholder, name withheld 11 MAY 2004 Will the departure of Paul Assarsson have any other effect on the operation of the Company or the organisation? Shareholder, Willy Persson 08 APRIL 2004 The short-term receivables for 4Q03 increased to 7.2 MSEK from 3.0MSEK in 3Q03. What is the reason for this increase and will any of this increase by included as revenue in 1Q04? Shareholder, Roger Lindbergh 03 APRIL 2004 Can you comment on what contributions are expected from Professor Dover’s presence on the Board of Directors? Shareholder, name withheld 22 MARCH 2004 Can you please explain the difference between “prototyping” and “pre-production”? Shareholder, name withheld 11 MARCH 2004 I understand that CGI can be used for material substitutions or for completely new engine developments. Which types of applications are most common? Shareholder, name withheld 29 JANUARY 2004 When will the prototype production statistics be updated on the website? Shareholder, Willy Persson 11 DECEMBER 2003 As we approach the end of the year, can you comment on your view of the progress during 2003? Shareholder, name withheld 11 DECEMBER 2003 Recent media reports have described a 1.9 litre diesel engine with 210 horsepower, or equivalently, 82 kW/litre. Is it possible to produce the power without CGI? Shareholder, Staffan Nordberg 11 DECEMBER 2003 As the series production has now started, can you please comment on how and when the payments are made? Shareholder, name withheld 24 OCTOBER 2003 We have heard a lot about the influence of titanium on CGI machining. Is this an obstacle for European foundries? Can this cause European foundries to promote grey iron over CGI? What is the source of the titanium and how do the levels differ between European, Asian and American foundries? Shareholder, name withheld 14 OCTOBER 2003 Can you comment on the article in the 9 October issue of Dagens Industri where comments from Volvo suggest that improved high speed machining solutions are required before the production can be changed from grey iron to CGI. How can Ford start series production if the machining is not solved? Shareholder, name withheld 14 OCTOBER 2003 We have heard a lot about the Ford-PSA 2.7 litre V6 CGI engine in the media. When will the production start? What is the fuel consumption of the engine? Shareholder, Per-Erik Lindgren 29 AUGUST 2003 As an old shareholder in SinterCast, I am very pleased with the latest development of the company. At the Shareholder meeting in Katrineholm in 1997, it was stated that AVL was designing several CGI engines. Can you provide any update on this information, and the current status of these engines? Was AVL involved in the Ford-PSA 2.7 litre V6 engine? Shareholder, name withheld 29 AUGUST 2003 I have read about a potential new combustion technology known as Homogeneous Compression Charge Ignition (HCCI). According to some researchers, it can help diesel engines simultaneously satisfy emissions requirements for NOx and particulates. How does this technology relate to CGI? Shareholder, name withheld 06 JUNE 2003 Why is SinterCast not included in the list of companies participating at GIFA? Shareholder, name withheld 05 JUNE 2003 Will SinterCast join the group of companies listed on the Stockholm stock exchange that trade with a “marketmaker” which guarantees the liquidity of the share (likviditetsgaranti)? Also, will SinterCast join the group of companies that can be traded without any fees to the buyer and seller, for example through the Nordnet brokerage? Shareholder, Willy Persson 29 MAY 2003 Some recent information has suggested that diesel engine performance may also be improved by reducing the compression ratio and operating at lower peak firing pressures. Does this affect the need for stronger materials such as CGI? Shareholder, name withheld 29 MAY 2003 Following the Managing Director’s Report at the Annual Shareholder Meeting in Stockholm on 27 May, will SinterCast issue any information about the size of “The Five Waves”? Shareholder, name withheld 29 MAY 2003 During the Annual General Meeting, Bertil Hagman mentioned that the new Board member, Andrea Fessler, has purchased shares in SinterCast. Can this be confirmed? Shareholder, name withheld 30 APRIL 2003 Can you please comment on the progress of the joint ventures with ABB and Grainger & Worrall? Shareholder, Anders Thomsson 03 FEBRUARY 2003 According to the Comments of Phil Lake in the Cast Metal Times interview, the production of the CGI Lion engine will begin during "early 2003". Can SinterCast clarify the timing? Shareholder, Anders Thomsson 30 JANUARY 2003 Can CGI be considered for future in-line engines that are smaller than 1.5 litres? Shareholder, name withheld 07 JANUARY 2003 Recent information has indicated that some patents will expire during 2003. Is this true? If so, what impact will this have on SinterCast. Shareholder, name withheld 19 DECEMBER 2002 A recent publication announced that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has upheld a new tax levy against iron products imported to Europe from Brazil and that an appeal filed by Tupy has been rejected. How does the WTO ruling affect Tupy, SinterCast and the Ford Lion project? Shareholder, name withheld 10 DECEMBER 2002 How many companies (automotive and/or foundry) use the SinterCast CGI material property database? Is the database only available for customers that use the SinterCast technology for their CGI production? Shareholder, Peter Karlberg 25 NOVEMBER 2002 At the AGM in 2000, SinterCast presented a report by Arthur D. Little that estimated the potential CGI market for 2004-2006. Is that forecast still valid concerning volumes and timing? Shareholder, Göran Olvén 25 NOVEMBER 2002 SinterCast has historically promoted CGI as a material that can provide environmental benefits. Today, it appears that most producers can satisfy Euro III and Euro IV emissions legislation without CGI and that CGI is primarily being used to achieve higher performance. Is there still an environmental benefit associated with CGI? Shareholder, name withheld 15 NOVEMBER 2002 According to earlier information, SinterCast’s revenues will be derived from System 2000 installations, Sampling Cups and a Production Fee based on the weight of castings produced. Has there been any change in this strategy? Shareholder, Stefan Karlsson 15 NOVEMBER 2002 The Press Release concerning the installation at ICC did not provide any indication of time. Has the System 2000 already been installed? Shareholder, Anders Thomsson 05 NOVEMBER 2002 In the last Interim Report and the Audio Q&A forum, SinterCast announced that it had secured approximately 35% of the world capacity for cast iron cylinder blocks and heads. It was also suggested that the SinterCast foundry partners may actually represent approximately 60% of the realistic CGI supply base for the next five or so years. How can SinterCast be sure that the already signed up foundries do not use another method for their production of CGI? Shareholder, name withheld 28 OCTOBER 2002 There have been no scientific publications authored or co-authored by SinterCast for a while. Is this a reflection on the acceptance of CGI-processes and machining in the industry? Shareholder, Tommy Haraldsson 25 SEPTEMBER 2002 Can the iron and the magnesium contained in CGI be separated when the iron is scrapped? If not, can the CGI be recycled? Shareholder, name withheld 25 SEPTEMBER 2002 Does the cooperation between ABB Automation and SinterCast to develop and implement foundry-specific solutions for the production of CGI from heated and non-heated automated pouring furnaces prevent ABB from installing these furnaces without the SinterCast process control system? Does SinterCast (or ABB) have any patent applications pending regarding this kind of production? Shareholder, Peter K 11 SEPTEMBER 2002 A recent publication has indicated that CGI is 25% more expensive to produce than conventional grey iron. The publication also suggested that SinterCast would need 2% of the automotive market to breakeven. Can you comment on these items? How many engines would the 2% market share represent? Shareholder, name withheld 05 SEPTEMBER 2002 How does the new SAE standard for CGI affect SinterCast? Shareholder, name withheld 29 AUGUST 2002 What is SinterCast’s currency policy when signing production contracts with the payment in currencies other than SEK? Shareholder, name withheld 09 AUGUST 2002 SinterCast has made good progress in reducing its operating expenses. As there is a lot of travel expense to visit customers, and both the President and the engineering staff are frequently travelling, how are you controlling the travel expenses? Shareholder, name withheld 07 AUGUST 2002 A recent report on www.foundrymag.com "New Alloy Promises Lower Emissions in High-Performance Engines" referred to a new aluminium alloy developed by NASA. Will this development affect SinterCast? Shareholder, name withheld 01 AUGUST 2002 In an interview in Svenska Dagbladet, Steve Dawson was quoted as saying: “There are 40 million cars made each year and with Teksid having a 12% market share it means that a little over four million engines a year will be made with SinterCast CGI technology. That is a very positive thing for us.” Is this true? Please clarify. Shareholder, Hans Ågren 01 JULY 2002 Will SinterCast CGI be used for non-diesel (gasoline) engines? Shareholder, name withheld 26 JUNE 2002 How far has the development of casting techniques come with respect to making thinner sections, say 2-2,5 mm, in complicated castings? Shareholder, Tommy Haraldsson 24 JUNE 2002 Will fuel cells influence SinterCast’s business potential? Shareholder, Anders Thomsson 24 JUNE 2002 How can the shareholders know if the various CGI programs are on schedule? Shareholder, Anders Thomsson 24 JUNE 2002 According to just-auto.com and a newspaper, Gazeta Mercantil, Tupy has signed a contract with Audi to supply 250,000 engine blocks in CGI. Does SinterCast have any comments on that? Shareholder, name withheld 16 JUNE 2002 Can Sintercast technology be used for other alloys than CGI, for example for magnesium treated iron? Shareholder, name withheld 16 JUNE 2002 How many tonnes per year can be produced using one SinterCast System 2000? Shareholder, Charlie Persson 16 JUNE 2002 How (and when) do new CGI orders get announced? Shareholder, name withheld 16 JUNE 2002 What are "magnesium-treated irons?" Shareholder, name withheld 16 JUNE 2002 After an installation of a Sintercast 2000 system, how long time is required for calibration and tests to establish full production? For example, if a engine is said to be produced from November 2003 using Sintercast CGI, at what time must a Sintercast 2000 System be installed at that foundry? Is this equipment stored for immediate delivery or do they have to be made after order? Shareholder, Willie Persson 16 JUNE 2002 What is the current status of the ABB and SinterCast collaboration that was entered into nearly two years ago? Shareholder, name withheld 16 JUNE 2002 For years its been a general apprehension amongst people with insight in the automotive industry, that heavy duty truck makers would be the first to launch CGI engine blocks and heads. Not mainly for environmental reasons, but for the benefit of increased power and mileage and lower fuel consumption. However, it now seems the car industry has taken the lead and are planning to launch new engines in CGI in 2003. Does SinterCast have any comments on that? Are there any reasons to believe that the heavy duty truck industry no longer represent a possible market for CGI and SinterCast? Shareholder, name withheld 16 JUNE 2002 According to Autobild (link in answer), the Audi 3.3 litre V8 TDI will stop production during 2003. Does SinterCast have any comment? Shareholder, Anders Thomsson SinterCast®, SinterCast Ladle Tracker® and SinterCast Cast Tracker® are registered trademarks © SinterCast 2021 Learn more OK DECLINE ALL ×