Pep Boys Selects Johnson Controls to Supply Batteries for Its Locations

    MILWAUKEE, Feb. 28 The Pep Boys -- Manny, Moe & Jack has selected
Johnson Controls, Inc. as a supplier of automotive, marine and
utility batteries.  Under the multi-year agreement, Johnson Controls will
begin supplying Pep Boys with selected batteries on March 15, 2001 and by July
1, 2001 will supply Pep Boys' complete battery line including Johnson Controls
Optima and Energizer brands and Pep Boys' nationally-known private label
ProStart brand.  Other details of the agreement were not disclosed.

    Pep Boys cited Johnson Controls track record of product quality and
superior service as critical to its selection.  Equally important is Johnson
Controls' ability to act as battery category manager for the full-service
retailer.

    "Our new relationship with Johnson Controls reinforces Pep Boys'
leadership position by combining the best selection of automotive aftermarket
parts and service at the best value.  In addition to satisfying the needs of
the 'do-it-yourself' and commercial markets, our nearly 6,500 service bays
make us a very unique seller of batteries in the 'do-it-for-me' market with
significant growth potential," said Pep Boys Assistant Vice President of
Merchandising Don Kolmodin.

    "We're pleased to establish a relationship with Pep Boys.  We continue to
expand our manufacturing capacity, so we are ready to serve Pep Boys as well
as our many existing customers with the highest-quality batteries and
service," said Bill Nonnamaker, Johnson Controls vice president of national
accounts, sales and marketing.