First Official Autocar Xpeditor Rolls Off Assembly Line

Celebration by Company Management and Plant Representatives Marks The Official, Historic Re-Birth of the Trucking Industry's Oldest Nameplate; Ushers in a New Era in Customer-Focused Products and Support For Vocational Truck Users

DUBLIN, Va., Jan. 28 -- Marked by the sights and sounds of cheering assembly line workers and a visibly proud management team, the first Autocar-badged Xpeditor LCOE (low-cab-over-engine) truck rolled off the assembly line during a special celebration held on Friday the 25th.

The historic event marks the official re-birth of the Autocar nameplate, a widely recognized and trusted brand which has graced the hoods of literally thousands of vehicles since its first introduction in 1897 -- making it the oldest, continuously produced vehicle nameplate in the United States.

``From the moment our parent company, Grand Vehicle Works, purchased the well-recognized Xpeditor product line and the Autocar brand name, we have all looked forward to this day,'' stated Bob Atkins, general manager of Autocar, LLC.

``It is indeed a distinct privilege for our company and our dealers to bring the Autocar back to the industry. The brand has a strong heritage and reputation among vocational truck customers in the United States and in many other parts of the world.''

Atkins continued: ``From hauling building stone out of quarries to transporting troops and equipment during several wars, the Autocar has become synonymous with quality, durability and exceptional performance in tough, unforgiving terrain and under harsh working conditions. Just as the Autocar truck has always responded to the challenges placed on it, we will also rise to the challenge by fulfilling our pledge to be the most responsive LCOE truck company in the business -- period.''

Mike Popovich, vice president of sales and marketing, noted: ``It is very exciting to celebrate the re-birth of the Autocar brand. In addition to putting the Autocar nameplate on the Xpeditor product, we are also ushering in a refreshing new era for LCOE and vocational customers. All of our future product developments and services will be 100 percent focused on the LCOE customer's unique transportation needs. Utilizing the financial strength and entrepreneurial success of our parent organization, and partnering with our newly created and committed dealer network, we will create 'Raving Fans' who will join us in celebrating the marriage of our proven product line with a known and trusted brand name.''

For more information on the Autocar Xpeditor product and related services, please call 866-289-8782.

Autocar, LLC was formed in July 2001, when parent company Grand Vehicle Works Holdings, LLC purchased the Autocar name and the Xpeditor truck line from Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.

As the oldest vehicle nameplate in continuous production in the United States, Autocar is synonymous in the truck industry with product quality, particularly for vocational applications. Autocar's reputation stems from a rich legacy of manufacturing that began in 1897; the Autocar named has graced vehicles in three centuries.

Grand Vehicle Works Holdings, LLC is a holding company whose subsidiaries are national leaders in niche transportation markets. Its headquarters are in Highland Park, Ill., and its manufacturing facilities are located in Union City, Ind., and Mexico.