Teleflex GFI Control Systems Forges Agreement with General Motors to Manufacture Natural Gas Vehicles

    KITCHENER, Ontario--April 26, 2002--Teleflex GFI Control Systems, Inc. (GFI), a subsidiary of Teleflex Incorporated , announced today that it had entered into an agreement with General Motors to develop and manufacture fuel systems for full size vans that are powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). Deliveries are scheduled to commence in October of 2002, and the agreement is for a minimum of three years.
    This announcement follows two years of GFI engineering activity to design and integrate the natural gas fuel system for these vehicles. The design incorporates many proprietary GFI components such as fuel fill receptacles, pressure regulators, tank valves, fuel rail assemblies and electronic engine controls. Fuel lines made by Teleflex Fluid Systems also are used on all these vehicles.
    The GM program is the first commercial application of the new GFI sequential gaseous fuel injection system, which is fully integrated with the GM engine control computer and vehicle diagnostic systems. This enhances vehicle performance and reduces overall operating cost. Vehicles to be produced include bi-fuel and dedicated natural gas variants of GM's popular Savana and Express full-size vans in passenger, cargo, shuttle bus and cube van configurations.
    As part of the program Teleflex GFI Control Systems has agreed to open a facility in the St. Louis, Missouri area where fuel system integration and second stage final vehicle assembly will be performed.
    Teleflex Incorporated is a diversified industrial company with annual sales of nearly $2 billion. Its businesses serve the aerospace, power generation, automotive, marine, industrial and medical industries worldwide.