Microheat Inc. Announces First Shipment of HotShot to the Aftermarket

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Dec. 9, 2002; Microheat Inc. announces that it has begun distribution to the aftermarket of the new and innovative HotShot heated washer fluid system for windshields.

The HotShot is a universal add-on accessory that connects to the windshield washer fluid tubes and the car battery -- to fit virtually any vehicle, any model, any year. At the touch of a button from inside the vehicle, HotShot rapidly heats washer fluid on demand, without relying on engine heat.

At 10 degrees below zero, it takes about 30 seconds after activation of HotShot to generate hot fluid, with subsequent automatic hot sprays every 6-9 seconds.

Hot fluid is the simple answer to what has plagued generations of drivers; rather than standing outside in the cold with a scraper in hand, HotShot automatically performs the fast and effective removal of ice, snow, and frost from a driver's windshield. Even before electric seats are heated or the rear window defroster starts functioning, the HotShot has already started spraying hot fluid.

"Microheat has engineered a major breakthrough in the concept of heating washer fluid. The technology behind it is truly a step ahead of others in the industry," said Jean-Francois Berard, former Valeo Branch Director Research and Development, wiper systems division.

While driving, the HotShot maintains hot fluid in its heating chamber, allowing drivers traveling in freezing cold conditions to get hot fluid whenever it's needed to prevent ice and snow buildup on their windshield glass, and wiper blades -- while also keeping the blades pliable. "The HotShot is the essential product for people who are driving in wintry conditions, and as soon as they try it once, they will always use it," said Tom Madole, Director of Aftermarket Sales at Microheat.

"HotShot is the only intelligent vehicle windshield cleaning system available in today's marketplace with a universal fit that really works for you," said Jim Foertsch, Director of Marketing at Microheat.

Market research recently conducted by Microheat and J.D. Power shows that large percentages of consumers, over 90% in the northern U.S., perceive windshield cleaning and clearing as an essential and desirable feature for their cars, especially in geographic regions that frequently experience freezing temperatures.

"Owners of full-size and mid-size vehicles increasingly specify heated washer fluid as a significant need," said Ken Harris, Director of OES sales at Microheat. "Considerable future growth of HotShot sales is also expected in the high-volume small car segment at the new car dealers as well."

Almost six years of exhaustive engineering effort supports this new product launch. Microheat technical centers and advanced research, development and test facilities in Farmington Hills, Michigan, Natanya, Israel and St. Petersburg, Russia played lead roles in the HotShot design and development program. Technical innovations generated by the program have led to the filing of 27 new patents.

Additional information about Microheat is available on the Internet at www.microheat.com .