Freudenberg-NOK Unfolds Aftermarket Products Under Corteco Banner

World leader in automotive sealing adds premium gasket brand and now offers complete OEM-quality aftermarket product line

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 31 -- Freudenberg-NOK, the North American partner of the Freudenberg and NOK Group Companies, the world's largest supplier of original-equipment automotive gaskets and seals, today announced the alignment of its aftermarket product lines into a single business unit called Corteco. At the same time, the company appointed Gregory W. Gyllstrom to the position of Chief Executive Officer of Corteco, and it unveiled two new brands of premium aftermarket products to be marketed under the Corteco banner. The announcements were made today at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas. According to Freudenberg-NOK Chairman Joseph C. Day, the Corteco line will incorporate a full range of original equipment-quality products for the aftermarket, including: * CorTec engine cylinder head gaskets, seals and rebuild kits; * MounTec engine mounts, transmission mounts, torque struts and suspension strut mounts; * TransTec transmission and power steering overhaul kits; and, * Oil seals, in-vehicle crankshaft seal kits, brake hoses and cabin air filters.

According to the company, the combined Corteco brands will set a new aftermarket industry standard by bringing original-equipment engineering and quality to a complete range of aftermarket gaskets and seals. "Now we are able to offer a complete lineup of aftermarket sealing products that reflect the full depth of our original equipment engineering experience, and further reflects our company's commitment as Your Technology Specialist(SM)," said Day. The Corteco products will draw heavily on the Freudenberg and NOK Group's worldwide depth of experience in the original-equipment market. "Our company pioneered the total powertrain sealing concepts that automakers around the world have adopted for dry, warranty-free engines and transmissions," Gyllstrom said. "Our focus in the aftermarket business is to deliver that same level of OE quality and technology. This will give everyone from independent repair technicians to production rebuilders the confidence in a superior product, along with the convenience of a one-stop-shopping solution for all their gasket and sealing needs.

" Corteco is the aftermarket business of Plymouth, Mich.-based Freudenberg- NOK, part of the Freudenberg and NOK Group Companies which have total annual sales of nearly $7 billion. With worldwide automotive sales of approximately $4 billion, the Freudenberg and NOK Group ranks No. 2 in global balance among top automotive suppliers (according to Automotive News International) and is among the 16 largest OEM automotive suppliers (per Crain's Detroit Business). Through a global network of facilities spanning 27 countries with approximately 25,000 automotive employees worldwide, the supplier group offers its automotive customers globally integrated products, including sealing packages for transmissions, engines, brakes, axles and steering, NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) components and packages, and all rubber, plastic and PTFE components for suspension, electrical and fuel systems. The Freudenberg and NOK Group also offers an extensive portfolio of precision-molded products for the aerospace, appliance, business machine, fluid power, marine, medical, off-highway equipment and recreational vehicle markets. For more information, visit the Freudenberg-NOK web site at http://www.freudenberg-nok.com .