New 3M Acrylic Plus Tapes Raise the Bar on Exterior Tape Attachment

    ST. PAUL, Minn.--March 11, 2002--In response to customer requests for a more robust product, 3M Automotive has released a new line of acrylic tapes offering significant customer benefits.
    According to the company, 3M designed its 3M Acrylic Plus Tape PT 1100 to achieve a higher level of performance for attaching exterior trim components. The new product:

--	Improves plant assembly processing through higher adhesion.
--	Allows for attachment of larger and more complex parts.
--	Improves bond-line aesthetics through its black construction and low elongation.
--	Reduces launch, rework and warranty issues.

    3M says this higher, more robust performance results in reduced systems costs.
    3M acrylic plus tapes use a more aggressive adhesive with higher initial tack and quicker adhesion-building. This benefits the assembly process by overcoming surface variability that can result from sheet metal mismatch or new paint systems. The new tapes have a stronger, more conformable foam core allowing improved wet-out and holding power.
    3M acrylic plus tape's black construction and better stress-handling characteristics provide a tighter bond line, improving aesthetics and increasing design flexibility.
    "The product was developed in response to the industry's demand for higher reliability and reduced systems cost. This new technology will serve as the platform for our continued tape advancements," said David F. Brown, business director, 3M Automotive Attachment Products.
    For more information about 3M acrylic plus tape PT 1100, or any of the other 3M Automotive attachment products, call 1-800-328-1684.

    About 3M

    3M is a $16 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in health care, safety, electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office, and other markets. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company has operations in more than 60 countries and serves customers in nearly 200 countries. 3M businesses share technologies, manufacturing operations, brands, marketing channels and other important resources. 3M is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and also is a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For more information about 3M go to www.3M.com or www.3M.com/profile/pressbox/index.jhtml.

    3M is a trademark of 3M company.