Jack Roush Named First SKF X-Tracker(R) Award Recipient

ELGIN, Ill., Jan. 16, 2004 -- SKF has awarded its first X- Tracker(R) Award for Extraordinary Achievement in the North American Automotive Industry to Jack Roush, Chief Executive Officer of Roush Industries and owner of the Roush Racing Team. The international award recognizes an individual who has achieved success in the face of extreme challenges or adversity.

According to Tom Johnstone, SKF Chief Executive Officer, "The X-Tracker Award is about passion. It honors those who are able to overcome incredible odds and still have the spirit to thrive and flourish. It recognizes the journey, not just the destination."

Jack Roush was selected as the first X-Tracker Award recipient due to his legendary success in the automotive and racing industries and his perseverance through his recovery from life-threatening injuries sustained in a 2002 airplane crash.

"Jack is the embodiment of the word `champion,'" explained George Dettloff, President, SKF Automotive Division, North America. "He is an innovator, a brilliant engineer and a gifted leader. Despite his devastating injuries in 2002, he continued to fight back, returning to NASCAR at Dover Downs International Speedway just months after the crash. He is passionate about our industry and an inspiration to all who know him."

The X-Tracker Award consists of a limited edition crystal and metal sculpture. The sculpture features a figure forming an "X" to represent the extreme challenges that have been overcome. The metal element represents the ability to mold our own lives and those around us. The crystal element symbolizes the fragile nature of life.

The X-Tracker Award is named for SKF's line of X-Tracker products, a new breed of performance-engineered hub bearings that recognize the shift of light trucks to more than just workhorses, but as spirited and robust family sport vehicles. By employing new designs and advanced processing techniques, the X- Tracker series brings car-like handling and comfort characteristics to high- performance light duty truck and SUV applications.

Founded in Sweden in 1907, SKF is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden with technology centers in the Netherlands, Italy and the United States. SKF has a long history of innovation, including the development of the first integrated wheel hub bearing in 1939, and the first full by-wire controlled concept car, the Filo, jointly launched with Stile Bertone in February of 2001.

Today's products include SKF bearings, Chicago Rawhide seals and value- added subassemblies for corners, and steering, driveline and engine systems for both cars and trucks. The company also offers by-wire SMART actuators and sensors, plus a variety of design, testing and consulting services. SKF employs approximately 40,000 worldwide, has annual sales of over five billion dollars, and sells its products in more than 150 countries. More information is available at www.skf.com.

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