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New Partnership with Autocar Gives Bendix Full Spectrum of Module Capabilities
 
HUNTINGTON, Ind. - October 2, 2008 - A new business agreement with Autocar, LLC, the nation's fastest-growing manufacturer of severe-duty trucks, will solidify the module capabilities of Bendix Commercial Vehicles Systems LLC.

Autocar, the oldest commercial vehicle nameplate in continuous production in the United States and the only major truck manufacturer focused 100 percent on commercial severe-duty markets, has selected Bendix as a provider for complete assembly of the cab for its popular Xpeditor® models. The Autocar Xpeditor is a low cab forward Class 8 vehicle that offers state-of-the-art features ranging from improved cab ergonomics, integrated controls, and body-chassis interface to a new environmentally friendly and economically effective hybrid-drive refuse truck.

"We believe our partners are integral to our company's success, and we look forward to a long, productive relationship with Bendix," said Ryan Billet, chief financial officer for Autocar. "Bendix delivers the module expertise and commitment to excellence that will enable us to continue and enhance our legacy of quality and performance. We expect Bendix to be a significant supplier partner for years to come."

This week, Bendix rolled the first cab module off the assembly line in a newly renovated, 75,000-square-foot Bendix facility initially dedicated to the Autocar business. Located in Huntington, Ind., the facility represents substantial growth for the Bendix modules business. With the addition of the Autocar dressed cab, Bendix now delivers solutions for the complete menu of commercial vehicle modules. The manufacturing technology employed at the modules center features synchronized scheduling that permits parts to be delivered to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) just in time, and in the line sequence dictated by the OEM's production schedule. Bendix capabilities include development, assembly, and logistics for a wide range of modules incorporating valves, brake control, and driver control functions. Ultimately, these modules become part of commercial vehicles from some of the world's most recognizable nameplates including Autocar, Navistar International, General Motors, Blue Diamond, Kenworth, and Blue Bird.

"Autocar is known for its achievements and innovations in truck design and manufacturing, and Bendix is known as an industry pioneer in integrated modules technology," said Joe McAleese, president and CEO of Bendix. "We believe our proven strengths and expertise are complementary to Autocar's vision, and we're proud to have been selected as a partner for the assembly of one of the most critical components of Autocar's vehicles. The quality and sophistication of our module program has enabled us to forge this new relationship as we continue to not only evolve our modules program, but also to diversify our overall business."

The full scope of the Bendix module business is represented by the manufacturing operations in Huntington, along with the technical and engineering center at the company's Elyria, Ohio, headquarters. Assembly of integrated vehicle modules represents nearly 15 percent of the overall Bendix business mix for the company's Huntington operation. Since the inception of module production at Huntington, the business has experienced year-over-year growth of at least 30 percent annually. The recent growth of the business has facilitated new jobs, training programs, and corporate investment in Huntington. During more than eight years of solid advancement, the company has invested more than $18 million in capital improvements and expansion for Bendix modules operations.

Bendix produces more than 100,000 commercial vehicle modules in Huntington each year. Modules range from the simplest - such as a module that contains a vehicle's brake and accelerator pedals - to the most complex - such as the Autocar fully dressed cab module, incorporating 1,000 components from more than 140 suppliers. Bendix will begin the Autocar assembly process with the shell of the cab and will transform it into a fully trimmed, operational cab for the Xpeditor refuse vehicle. By partnering with Bendix for module development and assembly, OEMs are able to streamline their operations and realize efficiencies such as a reduction of inventory and operational costs; simplification of their supply base; and improvement of logistical processes. It also enables the OEM to focus its staff on core competencies.

"Since introducing our module capabilities in 2000, Bendix has delivered solutions that help simplify the manufacturing process for OEMs," McAleese said. "Our unwavering commitment to product and manufacturing quality, coupled with the always-increasing sophistication of our design, manufacturing, and logistics expertise, has enabled us to achieve consistent growth. We look forward to continued success as we launch our partnership with Autocar."

About Autocar, LLC
Autocar, LLC, headquartered in Hagerstown, Ind., develops, assembles and services an expanding product line of severe-duty trucks including the low cab forward (LCF) Class 8 Xpeditor® trucks for refuse collection and other applications. The only manufacturer in the industry focused 100 percent on commercial severe-duty markets, Autocar has more than 200 employees, with a singular focus on meeting the unique demands of its customers. That focus has enabled Autocar to show significant continued growth toward its goal of being the premiere severe-duty truck manufacturer in North America. Autocar is affiliated with Highland Park, Illinois-based GVW Group, LLC. For more information, visit www.autocartruck.com.
 
About Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group, develops and supplies leading-edge active safety technologies, air brake charging, and control systems and components under the Bendix® brand name for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, tractors, trailers, buses, and other commercial vehicles throughout North America. An industry pioneer, employing more than 2,200 people, we are driven to deliver solutions for improved vehicle performance, safety, and overall operating cost. Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems is headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, with manufacturing plants in Acuña, Mexico; Bowling Green, Ky.; and Huntington, Ind. For more information, call 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725) or visit www.bendix.com.

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