Motormite(R) Introduces 2003 HELP!(R) Line Expansion

COLMAR, Pa., March 12 -- R&B, Inc. announced today that it has expanded its Motormite HELP! product line with 46 new SKUs, generating new revenue for the Automotive Aftermarket by providing alternatives to formerly OE Dealer "Exclusive" parts.

The expansion of Motormite's HELP! product category reflects the company's dedication to the success of the Automotive Aftermarket. Each new HELP! part number has been positioned in one of three distinct categories, classified by the value they deliver to the supply chain.

  These new categories include:
  --  Replace the Piece - Not the Assembly - featuring nine new SKUs
  --  Do the Job Right the First Time - featuring 26 additional part numbers
  --  OE Dealer Alternatives - featuring 11 new SKUs.

The trend in automobile manufacturing is to consolidate parts into increasingly larger modules, speeding production lines but adding repair cost when the component parts fail. The "Replace the Piece - Not the Assembly" category represents parts that provide an alternative to replacing the entire assembly, saving Professional Installers time and money.

"Do the Job Right the First Time," which features 26 new part numbers, has all the parts a Professional Installer needs to do the complete job once, preventing comebacks and dissatisfied customers.

Products from the "OE Dealer Alternatives" category offer parts at lower prices and better availability while maintaining the OE "look, feel and function" which was previously provided exclusively by the OE Dealer. This category has been expanded by 11 new SKUs.

All of these new products are a direct result of the New Products Marketing Team, led by Group Product Director Bill Lawson. "The OE manufacturer's design changes drive the need for innovative products," said Lawson. "Continually introducing new items demonstrates our commitment to bringing quality new products to the Aftermarket, as well as keeping up with industry modifications. We are focused on delivering more profit opportunities and repair alternatives to our customers. Our team will continue to bring parts to the Aftermarket where previously, the only alternative was the OE Dealer."

These newly introduced HELP! products are supported by an aggressive print advertising campaign. Each month a new item is featured in a monthly, full- page ad, educating Professional Installers on alternatives to common repairs. HELP! also provides merchandising options (part number 515303) for parts stores that are space-constrained, offering an updated merchandiser that carries close to 600 of the most popular HELP! part numbers on a spinner in only 12-1/4 square ft.

Richard Berman, President and CEO of R&B, said of the introduction: "We know that the needs of professional Installers must be satisfied. Their success insures the success of the entire Aftermarket. Our goal is to provide them with the necessary information through our integrated marketing plan in order to achieve the service levels that consumers expect. New and pioneering products will give them the options they need to provide faster and less expensive services to consumers."

Additional HELP! product line expansions will be introduced in 2003, focusing on such "Behind the Counter" items as emission hoses and coolant reservoir bottles. The HELP! door category will also feature additional coverage in door hinge assemblies, window regulators and door lock actuators.

R&B, Inc. is a leading supplier of OE Dealer "Exclusive" automotive replacement parts, automotive hardware, brake products, and household hardware to the Automotive Aftermarket and general merchandise markets. R&B's automotive parts and hardware are marketed under more than thirty proprietary brand names, through its Motormite, Dorman, Allparts, Scan-Tech, MPI and Pik- A-Nut businesses.