Exide Signs New Supply Agreement With Volvo Trucks North America

PRINCETON, N.J., March 17 -- Exide Technologies (BULLETIN BOARD: EXDTQ) (www.exide.com ), a global leader in stored electrical-energy solutions, has signed a new three-year exclusive supply agreement with Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA).

VTNA is a division of Volvo Truck Corporation, one of the leading heavy truck and engine manufacturers in the world. Volvo Trucks manufactures a broad line of Class 8 and specialty trucks and tractors -- both on highway and vocational -- under the Volvo and Mack brands. VTNA has a strong dealer network as well as industry-leading parts and service programs that support owners of its new or used vehicles.

The new agreement expands the existing Exide Technologies aftermarket product offerings from the Mack Truck dealer network to include new Volvo branded batteries for Volvo Truck dealers. Exide, now the exclusive supplier of the Mack Bulldog and Volvo branded batteries, also will supply its proprietary brands to the extensive VTNA network of Mack and Volvo dealers located throughout North America.

"I was extremely pleased with willingness of Exide to work with us and be creative in their ideas," said Jay Fuggiti, Vice President of Purchasing for Volvo Parts North America. "The professionalism of the parties involved was admirable and has resulted in an agreement which will prove beneficial to both of our organizations."

Through Mack Trucks, which was acquired by Volvo in December 2000, Volvo and Exide Technologies have had a relationship since the 1970s.

"By combining innovative programming with maintaining the highest levels of quality and service, we will help VTNA achieve significant growth with its customers," said Craig H. Muhlhauser, Chairman and CEO of Exide Technologies. "We sincerely appreciate the continued support of Volvo Trucks North America."

About Exide Technologies:

Exide Technologies, with operations in 89 countries and fiscal 2002 net sales of approximately $2.4 billion, is one of the world's largest producers and recyclers of lead-acid batteries. The company's three global business groups - transportation, motive power and network power -- provide a comprehensive range of stored electrical energy products and services for industrial and transportation applications.

Transportation markets include original-equipment and aftermarket automotive, heavy-duty truck, agricultural and marine applications, and new technologies for hybrid vehicles and 42-volt automotive applications.

Industrial markets include network power applications such as telecommunications systems, fuel-cell load leveling, electric utilities, railroads, photovoltaic (solar-power related) and uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and motive-power applications including lift trucks, mining and other commercial vehicles.

Further information about Exide, its financial results and other information is available at www.exide.com .

Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements as defined by the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. As such, they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results of the company to be materially different from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These are enumerated in further detail in the company's Form 10-K.

  MEDIA CONTACT:
  Jeannine Addams or Kristin Wohlleben
  Tarkenton & Addams, Inc.
  404/231-1132

  INVESTOR CONTACT:
  Mayura James
  Gavin Anderson & Company
  212/515-1962