Exide Technologies to Produce Batteries for AM General

    PRINCETON, N.J., Feb. 12 Exide Technologies has
been awarded the contract by AM General Corporation to produce military
batteries for its High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle -- Humvee --
ground-fighting vehicle, it was announced here today.
    The contract, which is let on an annual basis, calls for Exide
Technologies to provide some 9,600 of its military ground-vehicle batteries
this year.  The batteries, more robust physically, larger, fire proof and with
a higher cranking and reserve capacity than standard automotive units, will be
produced at Exide's Manchester, IA plant.  Each Humvee uses two of the
batteries.
    "As a former Marine, it's particularly gratifying for me that we're
announcing this new piece of business," said Exide Technologies Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, Robert A. Lutz.  "It further solidifies our
partnership with the United States Department of Defense for the development
of advanced sustainable battery technology for military ground vehicles."
    Exide Technologies now provides the majority of batteries for U.S.
military land-based fighting vehicles, which, in addition to the Humvee,
include such high-profile names as the M1-A1 tank and the Bradley fighting
vehicle.
    Exide Technologies is the global leader in providing electrical energy
storage solutions.  The company has annualized revenues of approximately
$3 billion and has operations in 89 countries, serving the industrial and
transportation markets.
    Industrial applications include network-power batteries for
telecommunications systems, fuel cell loading leveling, electric utilities,
railroads, photovoltaic (solar-power storage) and other uninterruptible power
supply (UPS) markets; and motive-power batteries for a broad range of
equipment uses, including lift trucks, mining and commercial vehicles.
    Transportation uses include automotive, heavy-duty truck, agricultural,
marine and other batteries, as well as new technologies being developed for
hybrid vehicles and new 42-volt automotive applications.  The company supplies
both the aftermarket and original equipment transportation customers.
    Further information about Exide Technologies, its financial results and
other information, can be found at http://www.exideworld.com.  Further information
about the Humvee and AM General can be found at http://www.amgeneralcorp.com.