Wagner ThermoQuiet Brake Pads Extend Leadership In 'First-to-Market' Automotive Friction Coverage

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., July 24 -- The Wagner brake products brand has introduced the first replacement friction components -- Wagner ThermoQuiet brake pads -- for more than 24 popular 2003 passenger vehicle models, extending its leadership in "first-to-market" friction coverage for automotive applications. Wagner products are manufactured and marketed by Federal-Mogul Corporation, the world leader in brake pads.

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Rapid availability of replacement friction products is a key competitive advantage within the automotive service industry, where independent garages battle vehicle dealerships for high-volume brake service opportunities. The Wagner brand's revolutionary ThermoQuiet technology was first to market in replacement friction for dozens of popular domestic and import vehicles during the 2002 model year and is the only friction brand to introduce replacement products for any of the 2003 model year's top 25 applications.

"When independent repair shops don't have access to replacement friction products for a late-model application, they've lost not only that service opportunity but very likely many others over the life of the vehicle," said Wagner Friction Director Peter Murnen. "In most cases that customer will go back to the vehicle dealership for the repair and may not give the aftermarket provider another chance in the future."

Among the best-selling 2003 models for which Wagner ThermoQuiet brake pads offer exclusive aftermarket coverage are the Buick Century and LeSabre; Chevrolet Cavalier, Impala and Malibu; Chrysler PT Cruiser and Sebring; Dodge Stratus; Ford Focus, Mustang and Taurus; Honda Accord and Civic; Hyundai Elantra; Mercury Grand Marquis; Nissan Altima and Sentra; Oldsmobile Alero; Pontiac Grand Am and Grand Prix; Saturn L Series; Toyota Camry and Corolla; and Volkswagen Jetta. This coverage leadership helped Wagner brake products and Federal-Mogul earn the 2003 President's Award for Electronic Cataloging Excellence from the automotive aftermarket's largest e-catalog supplier, CCITriad.

"Wagner is able to leverage Federal-Mogul's global leadership as an original equipment supplier to ensure very rapid access of premium replacement brake components for today's most popular vehicles," Murnen said. "The result is a greater potential share of the brake repair market for aftermarket distributors, jobbers and service providers."

Wagner ThermoQuiet brake pads are the only aftermarket friction technology to receive the Automotive News PACE Award for product innovation. Featuring an exclusive IMI(TM) Sound Insulator(TM) technology, ThermoQuiet brake pads eliminate the conventional brake shim by integrating the friction material, backing plate and insulator into a high-strength one-piece component. Heat, sound and vibration are spread over a much larger surface area, resulting in quieter operation and longer pad life. In addition, ThermoQuiet brake pad formulation types are matched to OE requirements by vehicle platform, resulting in superior stopping power.

For more information on Wagner brake products, contact your Wagner brake supplier or write to: Wagner Brake Marketing, Federal-Mogul Corporation, 26555 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI 48034.

Federal-Mogul is a global supplier of automotive components, sub-systems, modules and systems serving the world's original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket. The company utilizes its engineering and materials expertise, proprietary technology, manufacturing skill, distribution flexibility and marketing power to deliver products, brands and services of value to its customers. Federal-Mogul is focused on the globalization of its teams, products and processes to bring greater opportunities for its customers and employees, and value to its constituents. Headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, Federal-Mogul was founded in Detroit in 1899 and today employs 47,000 people in 24 countries. For more information on Federal-Mogul, visit the company's web site at http://www.federal-mogul.com/ .

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