Exide Technologies to Supply Toyota Motor Corporation in Australia; Exide a Supplier to All Four OEMs in Australia

PRINCETON, N.J., July 2 -- Exide Technologies (BULLETIN BOARD: EXDTQ) (www.exide.com ), a global leader in stored electrical-energy solutions, has secured its first-ever supply agreement with Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Ltd.

According to the terms of this new, three-year contract, which begins in July, Exide Australia will supply automotive starting batteries for the Toyota Camry, a top selling export vehicle. The batteries will be produced at Exide's Elizabeth, Australia facility.

As the world's third largest automaker, Toyota Motor Corporation also is ranked the number one vehicle supplier to the Australian marketplace, according to the recently issued VFACTS 2003 report.

"Toyota's new alliance with Exide Australia is the result of our ability to comply with today's worldwide vehicle manufacturer standards -- supplying this market leader the highest quality battery ideal for the rugged terrain of the region," said Craig H. Muhlhauser, Chairman and CEO of Exide Technologies.

The battery design includes Exide's patented AG-9TM alloy, an advanced technology that prolongs battery life by combating high heat underhood conditions. The use of this patented battery technology by Toyota confirms Exide as the supplier of choice to four out of four Australian passenger vehicle manufacturers, and also ensures an ongoing commitment to the support of this vital manufacturing industry in Australia.

"Because Exide has adopted and implemented proven lean manufacturing practices that drive efficiency, waste elimination and overall quality, we are continuously improving and becoming more successful," said Muhlhauser. "And Exide's success directly affects the success of our customers, particularly an important market leader such as Toyota Motor Corporation."

Exide has been a supplier of original equipment automotive starting batteries to a number of Toyota's North American plants since 1988. Last month, the company was awarded the 2002 Certificate of Achievement from Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, an accolade which recognizes Exide's contributions to the Toyota Value Improvement program during 2002.

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 two global business groups -- transportation and industrial energy -- 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.