REMINDER/Auto Club of Southern California Reminds Motorists to Round Up Their Car and Boat Batteries for Recycling; ``THE GREAT BATTERY ROUNDUP'' Continues Through April 26

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WHAT:   The "GREAT BATTERY ROUNDUP(R)" is an effort to collect
        thousands of hazardous "stray" vehicle and boat batteries for
        recycling and support of a Southern California environmental 
        group. Batteries will be collected daily through April 26 at
        collection locations throughout the Southland. For every
        battery collected, the AAA Battery Service will donate $1.50
        to The Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center in Laguna
        Beach.

WHO:    The Auto Club and motorists working together to remove an
        environmental and safety hazard from our communities. The Auto
        Club's goal is to collect batteries from Southern California
        garages, backyards and tool sheds.

WHY:    While 95 percent of vehicle battery lead is recycled, more
        than 5 million stray batteries were not returned to industry
        recycling plants last year. 

        Leaking acid can cause painful injuries to children or pets.
        Leaking acid eventually seeps into the ground, polluting the
        soil, contaminating backyards and water runoff, according to
        Steve Mazor, the Auto Club's principal automotive engineer.
        "Nearly 99 percent of a vehicle battery can be recycled,
        including reusing the lead," said Mazor.

        "A dollar and half provides one meal to a seal," said Michele
        Hunter of The Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center.

WHERE:  At 65 collection sites located throughout Southern
        California.

        A complete list of 65 drop-off locations and safety tips for
        handling batteries can be found at www.aaa-calif.com.