Fleetguard Introduces Premium Technology ES Optima Extended Life Products

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--Aug. 4, 2003--Fleetguard Inc., the global filtration, exhaust, coolant and chemical specialist for diesel-powered equipment, has aligned its coolant and chemical premium technology products under the brand name of ES Optima(TM). The technologically advanced products in this category were previously labeled under the brand name of ESXtreme(TM). The ES Optima(TM) current product line includes chemicals, coolants, extenders and converters.

"The new brand name designates a category of extended life products which Fleetguard has introduced to the market that provide longer product life, environmental protection, less maintenance and lower operating costs," said Marilyn Johnson, Global Chemical Director for Fleetguard. "The name is significant because it conveys that these products offer optimal levels of performance, quality and protection. The ES Optimax(TM) brand makes it easier for our customers to choose the right products for their individual application needs. Everything we do at Fleetguard is to help make our customers' business hassle-free."

The first product Fleetguard is introducing using the new name is ES Optimax(TM) Extended Life Coolant. This product is borate-free, phosphate-free and silicate-free and uses patented organic acid inhibitors to provide superior wet sleeve liner pitting and corrosion protection for all cooling system parts. Benefits include lower maintenance (annual or bi-annual service is all that is required) and is suitable for all diesel, gasoline and natural gas engines.

"ES Optimax(TM) is truly a revolutionary coolant product. "When you offer users superior protection along with the opportunity to extend service intervals up to two years before adding supplemental coolant additives, you are providing numerous benefits in terms of reducing downtime, lowering operating costs, and increasing cooling system life."

"Another plus is that the ES Optimax(TM) Converter allows customers using competitive products to switch to ES Optimax(TM) easily, without interruption of coolant protection. It is a total cooling system protection package that is designed to convert conventional and fully formulated coolants to ES Optimax(TM) coolant technology without having to incur the cost of draining, flushing and refilling the coolant system," Johnson added.

The patented chemistry in ES Optimax(TM) Extended Life Coolant is comprised of an organic acid-based formula that provides total cooling system protection for 600,000 miles/1,000,000 km of on-road use (four years or 12,000 hours of off-highway use). Under normal conditions, the only maintenance required is the addition of ES Optimax(TM) Extender and the installation of a new ES Optimax(TM) coolant filter at approximately 300,000 miles (700,000 km) of on-road use (two years or 6,000 hours of off-highway use).

The ES Optimax(TM) Converter companion product is formulated with a special blend of ES Optimax(TM) Extended Life Coolant patented with organic acid-based corrosion inhibitor systems. ES Optimax(TM) Extended Life Converter is a quick and cost effective method to convert from conventional coolant technology products to ES Optimax(TM) Extended Life Coolant.

ES Optimax(TM) Extended Life Coolant can be used in standard maintenance programs, as well as extended service environments, and meets or exceeds all fully formulated heavy duty and light duty low silicate specifications by major engine manufacturers and maintenance organizations. ES Optimax(TM) Extended Life Coolant is available in ethylene glycol (EG) and environmentally friendly propylene glycol (PG) formulations and in several packaging options: premix (with 50% de-ionized water) and concentrate, both are available in gallon, drum, and bulk quantities.

Fleetguard Inc. is a business unit of Cummins Inc. and the world's leading designer and manufacturer of heavy-duty air, fuel, hydraulic and lube filtration, chemicals and exhaust system technology products for diesel-powered equipment. Fleetguard's home page on the internet can be found at www.fleetguard.com. In North America, customers can call Fleetguard(R) Customer Assistance at 1-800-22FILTER (1-800-223-4583) for more information.