Tenneco Automotive Green Technology, Strategy Drive Company's European Growth

Frankfurt, Germany (PROTEXT/ots) - Hari N. Nair, the newexecutive vice president and managing director of TennecoAutomotive's European business unit, today said the company'stechnologies enable automotive and truck manufacturers to meetEurope's strict air quality standards now - long before theybecome mandatory in 2005 and 2008. "Tenneco's technology helps manufacture cleaner, greener,quieter cars. That technology, combined with a strategy toanticipate and meet the European market's needs with creativecost-effective solutions, is fueling the company's growth inEurope," Nair said during the Frankfurt Auto Show. Europe key to Tenneco Automotive Europe represents 35 percent of the company's $3.5 billion(U.S.) worldwide sales. In Europe, the company develops andmanufactures exhaust products for the original equipment marketunder the Gillet brand name and ride control products under theMonroe brand name. Customers include BMW, DaimlerChrysler, FordGroup, GM/Opel, Nissan, Porsche, PSA Group, Renault, Toyota andVW Group. "Europe is an extremely important market for us - particularlygiven its leadership role in the development of automotiveplatforms worldwide," said Nair, who assumed responsibility forthe company's European business this summer. "We believe we arewell-positioned to work successfully with our European customersas they respond to increasing regulations and a dynamic globalmarketplace." Nair cited stricter emissions regulations, increasing relianceon lean burn gasoline and diesel engines and demand for morefuel-efficient vehicles due to rising fuel costs among the majorfactors shaping today's European marketplace. "These factors drive us to anticipate our customers' needs andrespond with creative technology that adds value," he said."Tenneco Automotive has new technology offerings today that helpmanufacturers meet the more rigorous Euro 4 and Euro 5 airquality regulations that become mandatory in 2005 and 2008 aswell as voluntary environmental commitments under the KyotoProtocol." He highlighted three new Tenneco products and systems thathelp original equipment manufacturers meet and exceed newregulations and requirements: Emissions Control Technology A diesel particulate filter for passenger cars - the onlyfilter that virtually eliminates carbon and hydrocarbon emissionswith a minimal impact on engine performance. The simplicity ofthe filter's design and production results in decreasedmanufacturing costs. Tenneco's diesel particulate filter is inuse on the 2001 Citroen C5 and the 2001 Peugeot 406. Otherapplications are under development. A tubular integrated converter (TIC) that reduces both weightand cost. Tenneco is the only manufacturer using a new hot-spunproduction process, which reduces material content, shortensproduction time and reduces manufacturing costs. The weld-freeproduction process results in cost reduction of up to 25 percentand weight reduction of up to 20 percent. Weight reductionresults in improved fuel economy. TIC technology is applied oncurrent models of the Ford Transit and Focus, Peugeot 406,Citroen C5 and GM/Opel Corsa. Other applications are underdevelopment. A combined particulate filter and De-NOx converter that meets2005 Euro 4 and 2008 Euro 5 standards for reducing particulateemissions by up to 90 percent and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissionsby up to 70 percent in medium and heavy duty trucks. The systemcombines a particulate filter with a technology that suppliesurea to the exhaust gas to reduce nitrogen oxides, resulting incleaner operation, enhanced fuel economy and space savings thatis critical for heavy duty trucks. Development projects forseveral leading truck manufacturers are under way. "Green" Ride Control Application Tenneco Automotive's commitment to the environment extendsbeyond emissions control into ride control as the company usestechnology to balance sure handling, comfortable ride andenvironmental responsibility. An oil-free "green" shock is the only one exclusively usingpressurized gas rather than oil as the damping medium, providingfrequency dependent damping and minimizing the compromise betweenride comfort and handling. Unlike oil, pressurized gas is notaffected by temperature, resulting in more consistent dampingperformance over a wide range of operating temperatures. Thedamper can be mounted in any position. The shock meets proposedrecycling regulations and is environmentally friendly. "Tenneco Automotive's commitment to research and developmentresults in practical, value-added technology that our customerscan utilize now as they anticipate changes in tomorrow'sautomotive marketplace," Nair said. "We work closely with our OEcustomers to develop total cost solutions that help them respondto increasing legislation as well as consumer demands andpreferences." Tenneco Automotive is a $3.5 billion manufacturing companywith headquarters in Lake Forest, Ill., and 23,000 employeesworldwide. Tenneco Automotive is one of the world's largestproducers and marketers of ride control and exhaust systemsproducts, which are sold under the Monroe", Gillet and Walker"global brand names. ots Original Text Service: Tenneco Automotive Europe Internet:http://www.presseportal.de For more information: Peter DerconPR Manager Tenneco Automotive Europe +32/2/706 9241peter.dercon@eu.tenneco-automotive.com Tenneco Automotive, Mediarelations - Lake Forest, Ill., US Jane Ostrander, +1/847/482-5607jane.ostrander@tenneco-automotive.com PRHamburg Frank Ohlsen,+49/4036967613

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