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GNB Technologies Broadens Champion(R) Line

14 August 1998

GNB Technologies Broadens Champion(R) Line At Advance Auto Parts

             Battery Manufacturer Expands Presence With Retailer

    ATLANTA, Aug. 14 -- Atlanta-based GNB Technologies will begin
supplying seven new Champion(R) branded automotive battery SKUs to Advance
Auto Parts stores nationwide this summer.  The stores will carry the newly
designed 34/78 dual-terminal and Group 65 Champion Trailblazer(R) SUV
batteries, as well as five different SKUs of Champion automotive batteries
including the 34/78, 35/75 and Groups 65, 75 and 78.
    "With more than 900 Advance Auto Parts stores across the United States,
GNB anticipates strong expansion and increased market share in its SUV and
automotive battery replacement market," says Mike O'Malley, Director of Sales,
Central Zone.  "Our already solid relationship with Advance becomes stronger
with this broadening of the Champion product line."
    For more than ten years, GNB has supplied automotive and specialty
batteries to Advance Auto Parts.  This inclusion of the Champion automotive
SKUs follows the recent addition of the Stowaway(R) 850, Stowaway(R)
Tournament marine batteries and Champion motorcycle batteries to the Advance
line up.
    The new Champion batteries will be available in Advance Auto Parts stores
beginning August 15, 1998.

    NOTE:  GNB Technologies is an integrated provider of power technology
products.  It manufactures and recycles lead-acid batteries for the
automotive, recreational boating, farm, heavy duty truck, electric utility,
electric vehicle, photovoltaic, railroad, telecommunications and
uninterruptible power supply markets in more than 50 countries.
    Champion(R) is a registered trademark of Cooper Industries.