ArvinMeritor's New Tandem Axle Reduces Driveline Vibration

    LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 21 ArvinMeritor, Inc.
announced today, at a press conference held in conjunction with the
Mid-America Trucking Show, a new tandem axle designed to lead the industry in
reducing issues relating to driveline angularity.  The new axle virtually
eliminates vibration throughout the entire drivetrain.

    The MT-40-143-MA-N carries a 40,000-lb. gross axle weight rating (GAWR)
and is designed with rear carrier featuring Amboid gear designs providing
above-centerline positioning of the drive pinion.  This positioning greatly
reduces interaxle driveline angularity, which in turn minimizes driveline
vibration.  In addition to reducing cab noise and vibration, the reduction in
driveline vibration minimizes damage to all other drivetrain components.

    "This new Amboid design allows us to offer fleets and owner-operators a
tandem axle with the proven reliability and durability of our existing
40,000 lb. product line and the added advantage of optimized driveshaft angles
for less vibration and longer component life," said Brad Arnold, vice
president and general manager of Axles for ArvinMeritor Commercial Vehicle
Systems.

    Incorporated in this new design is an integral pinion bearing cage to
eliminate the bearing-cage-to-carrier joint and its associated potential leak
path, providing for greater durability and reliability.

    "We believe our newest 40,000 lb. tandem helps keep vehicles on the road
by dramatically reducing joint angle issues.  And, with a great deal of parts
commonality between all our 40,000 lb. tandems, parts inventories can be
minimized, keeping added costs down," commented Arnold.

    The new tandem axle is ideal for truck and tractor over-the-road linehaul
operations and is compatible with all current air suspension systems.  The
ratio range is 2.64 to 4.11 which covers the vast majority of the linehaul
market.

    The MT-40-143-MA-N will be available July 2001 through all original
equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and will be covered by the company's
5-Year/750,000-Mile linehaul warranty.