Microheat Marks 10th Anniversary of HotShot Windshield De-Icing System

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.--Oct. 5, 2005--This fall marks the 10th anniversary of the invention of HotShot, the revolutionary hot washer fluid and windshield de-icing system, according to Microheat, Inc., which developed and manufactures the product. HotShot is the first product in 75 years to solve the problem of frozen or grimy windshields, and it is now featured on the Model Year 2006 Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne currently in showrooms nationwide.

During the 10th anniversary year, 2005, the company has marked several milestones starting with being unveiled by General Motors at the Chicago Auto Show in February, following the Cleveland Auto Show. In addition, HotShot received TS16949 Certification. And the product is being tested by more than 20 major OEMs. The biggest milestone yet for the company was its shipment of HotShot to General Motors in March.

HotShot features a patented cycling technology that intelligently heats fluid to an exact temperature and sprays the fluid at a precise time interval to quickly and efficiently remove snow, ice, bugs and road grime from vehicles. The all-season, all-weather system can be activated at any time during vehicle operation.

1929 - Dual windshield wiper blades

In 1929, dual windshield wiper blades working in unison were introduced. In the decades that followed, very little progress had been made in windshield cleaning. From 1929 to 1995, although suppliers were able to change blade material, motor technology, and glass type, no one successfully solved the problem of dirty and icy windshields. A fast, accurate and effective de-icing and cleaning system eluded development for over six decades.

1995 - Solution to age old problem

A breakthrough in the age old problem of windshield cleaning occurred in 1995 when the founder of Microheat, then a student in England, invented the technology behind HotShot. Two years later, Microheat, Inc., was founded in Farmington Hills, Michigan and began research and development for the product. The first HotShot patent was granted in 2000, followed by Microheat's launch at the APEX Show in Las Vegas, as well as its introduction to the aftermarket in 2002.

2003 - HotShot Receives wide recognition at Auto Show

In 2003, the company became a Tier 1 supplier to the automotive industry and started shipping sample units to major automotive distributors, retailers, and car dealers. This year HotShot was featured at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) and received wide exposure and media coverage as well as interest from major automotive players.

2004 - Present -- Microheat advances to the next level

In 2004, Microheat introduced a new executive management team to take HotShot to the next level, and raised additional venture capital funds. In addition, a Korean automaker awarded Microheat production business, and Microheat and Webasto signed an exclusive agreement to bring HotShot to 50 countries for aftermarket installation.

Hot Shot receives five major awards: Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Emerging Technologies; Popular Mechanics deemed it the "Outstanding Achievement in New Product Design and Innovation." In June, Newport Publications, publishers of leading trucking industry publications, honored Microheat with its Heavy Duty Trucking "Nifty Fifty" designation, as well its "Terrific Twenty" award for Truck Sales and Leasing magazine. RoadStar magazine chooses HotShot as "MVP" (most valuable product) of the Year.

"Ten years after the invention of HotShot marks our biggest year yet," said Microheat President and CEO Gary Pilibosian. "Now that we are in showrooms across the nation, drivers everywhere can see and experience the benefits of HotShot. Within two years, studies show that HotShot will be a standard feature on every vehicle."

HotShot is available to the aftermarket in 50 countries including every major automotive market through an agreement with Webasto, the world leader in aftermarket distribution and installation. The system is also available for heavy-duty trucks and military vehicles.

Microheat, Inc. is a Farmington Hills, Michigan-based, privately-held company fully focused on the design, manufacture, production and sale of its advanced fluid heating system products and related components for integration into washer/wiper system modules of cars and trucks. To date, Microheat has received four U.S. patents and 27 patent applications globally. The company is TS16949 certified. http://www.microheat.com.