Exide Technologies to Supply IVECO-International Trucks in Australia

     ELIZABETH, Australia, Aug. 7 Exide Technologies
, the global leader in stored electrical-energy solutions, has
signed a two-year agreement with IVECO-International Trucks Australia Ltd. to
supply original-equipment and aftermarket batteries for heavy-duty
applications in Australia. IVECO-International, headquartered in Melbourne, is
the largest assembler and manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks in Australia.
    The agreement calls for Exide Technologies to supply a product based on
the Exide Extreme(R), in addition to other Exide Technologies heavy-duty
lead-acid batteries, to International Trucks Australia Ltd. (ITAL). Exide
Technologies will supply original-equipment batteries to the ITAL assembly
plant in Melbourne. In addition, the Exide Technologies' Adelaide distribution
center will supply the aftermarket batteries to ITAL's extensive network of
aftermarket locations throughout Australia.
    "The battery for International Trucks Australia has undergone rigorous
testing to meet ITAL requirements," said William Morrissy, Group General
Manager of Exide Technologies' Australasia operations. "In addition to product
superiority, Exide Technologies offers an outstanding customer-service
program, which was an important factor in awarding this contract."
    The Exide Extreme(R) technology, introduced in 1999, features reinforced
heavy-duty grids, thick robust plates wrapped in glass-mat separators and
"No-Vibe"(TM) bonding, all of which provide superior vibration resistance. The
Exide Extreme(R) also features flameproof vents for safer operation.
    Exide Technologies' customer support includes an innovative battery
management program that extends from all phases of manufacturing through the
supply process and into aftermarket distribution.
    "This agreement with IVECO makes Exide Technologies a major supplier to
the heavy-duty market in Australia," said Craig H. Muhlhauser, President and
Chief Operating Officer (and CEO-elect) of Exide Technologies. "The innovative
battery management program, combined with the superior quality of the Exide
Extreme(R) technology, illustrates Exide Technologies' strategy of providing a
high level of service as a core part of our business."