Webasto Exclusive Global Distributor of HotShot in Western Hemisphere and Europe

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.--Sept. 16, 2004--Webasto has now added Hotshot(R), the revolutionary hot washer fluid and windshield de-icing system designed and manufactured by Microheat, Inc., to its aftermarket product portfolio. HotShot will be officially introduced on September 14 at the Automechanika Show in Frankfurt and will be immediately available for aftermarket installation.

The exclusive agreement between Webasto and Microheat, Inc., will bring HotShot to 50 countries including every major automotive market and to more than 700 million used vehicles. The product has been approved by the European TUV and can be fitted by any of 6,953 authorized Webasto dealer/installers.

"Webasto is the number one company in aftermarket distribution and installation and dominates the heavy truck market," said Gary Pilibosian, Chief Executive Officer of Microheat.

"We selected HotShot to join our line of aftermarket products because it is a premium-quality all-year product that conveniently ensures a clean windscreen and thus provides for safer driving," said Phillip Thompson, President of Business Units and Special Products and Markets at Webasto. "Whether it's ice, salt, and slush in winter, or dust and insects in summer, many factors can reduce a vehicle's windscreen visibility. For this reason a product providing drivers with a clean windscreen at the push of a button is an important innovation for enhancing driver safety."

HotShot will also be available in a wide range of Calendar Year 2006 full-size sedans and SUVs manufactured by two major OEMs. More than 20 global auto manufacturers are currently testing HotShot.

Microheat, Inc., is a Farmington Hills, Michigan-based, privately-held company fully focused on the design, manufacture, production and sale of its advanced fluid heating system products and related components for integration into washer/wiper system modules of cars and trucks. For more information and photographic images from Microheat and HotShot, visit http://www.microheat.com.

For more than 100 years, Webasto, headquartered in Munich, Germany, has specialized in developing and building automotive comfort. The company has worked to establish meaningful partnerships within the market worldwide, while emphasizing quality, efficiency and innovation in every undertaking. With this dedicated focus, Webasto has grown to be one of the automotive supply industry's global leaders. For more information, go to http://www.webasto.com .