International systems supplier for car interiors SAI Automotive AG (Friesstr. 26, D-60388 Frankfurt) expected consolidated sales of DEM 2.4bn in 1997, a rise of 41% against 1996. Due to start-up production costs for 12 new car models, earnings were projected to be flat at DEM 69m. For 1998, when it consolidates the French production sites divested by Sommer Allibert S.A. in the floor coverings merger with Tarkett AG, the German company expects sales to rise 35% and earnings to double. On a comparable basis, turnover will move ahead 7% and per-share earnings by 10 to 20%, the company said.

SAI's global business has been boosted recently by a surge in orders for its plants in eastern Europe and North America. New contracts to produce for the Skoda "Felicia" tripled the company's sales volume in the Czech Republic last year. Starting in 1999, it will supply door cladding for General Motors/Suzuki in Poland. Ford plans to use a SAI-developed door module in one of its new compact cars. The outlook for US business is equally favourable. Sales are set to nearly double in the year 2000 against 1997, thanks to an order from BMW for its new off-roader and from GM for a new car based on the "Vectra" model.