OC(TM) Automotive Creates Home Theater on Wheels

DETROIT, March 4 -- The Automotive Business of Owens Corning is driving to create an exciting, high quality sound experience for the interior of the vehicle with an innovative method of integrating speakers into the interior trim of vehicles. OC Automotive is showcasing this patented technology at the 2002 SAE World Congress at Cobo Center in Detroit, March 4-7.

``Integration of speakers into door panels and instrument panels will lead to better sound quality, reduced weight and better acoustics within the vehicle,'' said Michael Kuhn, business leader, Interior Acoustic Systems, OC Automotive. ``Owens Corning is adapting this new, patented technology to create harmony between sound generation and interior design ambience.''

Benefits of this new technology to the consumer include a comfortable environment with better sound quality and integrated speakers, while automotive OEMs will be interested in the reduction of both weight and complexity during the assembly process.

``Although other companies are also testing and developing technology similar to that of the flat panel speaker technology, Owens Corning's technology is unique in that we will bridge the gap between a revolutionary new loudspeaker technology and the final automotive application by building on Owens Corning's core competencies: our experience in the field of acoustics and our expertise in the field of composite materials,'' said Kuhn.

This technology is currently being tested at various locations including renowned laboratories in the field of automotive audio technology, as well as Owens Corning's in-house science and technology center in Granville, Ohio. Consumers can expect to see this technology on the road in new automobiles beginning in 2005.

OC Automotive is located at booth #2629 at the SAE World Congress. Additional information on OC Automotive is available at www.owenscorning.com/automotive .

Owens Corning is a world leader in building materials and composites systems. Founded in 1938, the company had sales of $4.8 billion in 2001 and employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide. Additional information is available on Owens Corning's Web site at www.owenscorning.com or by calling the company's toll-free General information line: 1-800-GET-PINK.