The globally operating lubricant producer FUCHS PETROLUB AG in Mannheim, Germany, remained successful in 2001 despite all macro-economic problems and a substantial decline in overall demand for lubricants. Sales and consolidated operating profits were increased. The uptrend is set to continue during 2002.START_OF_TAGBREND_OF_TAGSTART_OF_TAGBREND_OF_TAGSales rose in 2001 by 4.2 % to EUR 940.0 m (902.0). Internal growth was 3.7 %. Acquisitions contributed 1.4 %, while currency translation effects accounted for -0.9 %.START_OF_TAGBREND_OF_TAGSTART_OF_TAGBREND_OF_TAGConsolidated operating profits were up on the preceding year. Europe, plus North and Latin America, remained the most profitable areas for the group in 2001 as well, though Asia-Pacific Rim's figures continued to rise.START_OF_TAGBREND_OF_TAGSTART_OF_TAGBREND_OF_TAGDue to acquisitions and internal growth, the group anticipates sales of EUR 1,060 m (940) in 2002, plus a rise in consolidated net income. START_OF_TAGBREND_OF_TAGSTART_OF_TAGBREND_OF_TAGMannheim, March 27, 2002START_OF_TAGBREND_OF_TAGSTART_OF_TAGBREND_OF_TAGFUCHS PETROLUB AGSTART_OF_TAGBREND_OF_TAGPublic RelationsSTART_OF_TAGBREND_OF_TAGFriesenheimer Str. 17START_OF_TAGBREND_OF_TAGD-68169 MannheimSTART_OF_TAGBREND_OF_TAGTel.: +49 621 3802-104