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3M Automotive Brings Revolutionary Lextra Fiber Graphics to Automotive

    ST. PAUL, Minn.--Feb. 18, 2002--3M Automotive recently signed a global supply and marketing agreement that makes 3M the exclusive source of supply to the automotive industry for revolutionary Lextra Fiber Graphics.

    Lextra fiber graphics are manufactured using the world's first direct, electrostatic, flock heat-transfer technology. The multicolor graphics resemble embroidery but, according to 3M, offer significant advantages including:

-- More vibrant color
-- Up to six colors per design with custom color matching available
-- Finer detail
-- Increased texture
-- Greater durability
-- Greater design flexibility
-- Competitive pricing

    Flocking is another alternative to embroidery. But 3M says the direct, electrostatic, fiber-coating Lextra technology, when combined with flock-heat transfer, takes fiber graphics to another level of performance:

-- Texture can be increased from .3 mm to 1 mm or more.
-- With longer fibers made of nylon or polyester instead of rayon, far more intense colors are possible.
-- The greater resistance to abrasion and fading offered by Lextra graphics result from the use of pure dyed nylon fibers instead of rayon fibers printed with ink.
-- Other elements -- such as 3M Scotchlite reflective film -- can be integrated in a design.

    According to 3M, automotive manufacturers can use its 3M Fiber Graphics made with Lextra technology to create unique, high-quality trim designs, address niche market needs, and reinforce brand image and recognition.
    Automotive applications include emblems, logos and designs for seats, doors and high-quality labels. The graphics also may be used for softening surfaces, such as console trays, and for reducing wear and warranty issues on high-wear surfaces, such as armrests and bolsters.
    3M Automotive, long a leader in automotive trim and identification products, has added the fiber graphics to its extensive line of graphic films, blackout/colorout films, protective films and nameplate/badging technologies. 3M says it is offering the product as a way to help manufacturers enhance interior quality and finish, and also to integrate interior and exterior design elements.
    "3M fiber graphics made with Lextra technology are the right thing at the right time as manufacturers work to differentiate their vehicles and to meet increasing consumer demand for niche or `mass customized' vehicles," says John Malsam, 3M design products business director.
    3M Automotive is heavily committed to assisting manufacturers with branding, special-edition and "mass customization" needs. 3M's Design Studio, located at its Automotive Innovation Center, Livonia, Mich., is available to design 3M fiber graphics for the whole range of interior fiber graphic applications.
    For more information about 3M Fiber Graphics or any of 3M Automotive's extensive line of trim and identification products, call 1-800-328-1684.

    About 3M

    3M is a $16 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in health care, safety, electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office, and other markets. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company has operations in more than 60 countries and serves customers in nearly 200 countries. 3M businesses share technologies, manufacturing operations, brands, marketing channels and other important resources. 3M is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and also is a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For more information about 3M go to www.3M.com or www.3M.com/profile/pressbox/index.jhtml.

    Lextra Fiber Graphics are trademarked and licensed by High Voltage Graphics, Inc. Fiberlok Inc. is the exclusive manufacturing licensee for Lextra in the Americas. 3M and Scotchlite are trademarks of 3M company.