Westcorp Announces Cash Dividend

    IRVINE, Calif.--Dec. 18, 2001--Westcorp , the diversified financial services company whose principal subsidiaries are WFS Financial Inc and Western Financial Bank, declared on Dec. 18, 2001 a cash dividend of $0.11 per share for shareholders of record as of February 6, 2002, with a payable date of February 20, 2002. Information about Westcorp can be found at its Web site, www.westcorpinc.com.
    Westcorp, through its subsidiary WFS, is one of the nation's largest independent automobile finance companies. WFS specializes in the origination, securitization, and servicing of new and pre-owned automobile contracts through its nationwide relationships with automobile dealers. WFS provides financing for borrowers in the prime and non-prime credit quality sectors. Information about WFS can be found at its Web site, www.wfsfinancial.com.
    Westcorp, through its subsidiary, Western Financial Bank, operates 25 retail bank branches throughout California, and provides commercial banking services in Southern California. Information on the products and services offered by the Bank can be found at its Web site, www.wfb.com.