Exide Technologies Announces Upcoming Departure of CEO

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J.--Oct. 1, 20042, 2004--Exide Technologies , a global leader in stored electrical-energy solutions (the "Company"), today announced that Craig H. Muhlhauser, its President and Chief Executive Officer, will leave the Company on or prior to April 1, 2005. Concurrently, the Company announced that its Board of Directors has created an Executive Committee, consisting of Eugene Davis and Michael Ressner, which shall, among other things, work with Mr. Muhlhauser and approve material decisions of the Company until a permanent replacement for Mr. Muhlhauser is identified.

Mr. Muhlhauser stated: "It has been my great pleasure serving as Exide's CEO over the past three years. The Company is well positioned to expand its global presence in the marketplace, aided in large part by its successful emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in May. With the Chapter 11 proceeding behind us, and a new Board of Directors in place, it is time for me to pursue new opportunities. I look forward to working with the Executive Committee and the full Board over the next few months to ensure a proper transition."

"Craig has served Exide well during his tenure, playing a critical role in building Exide into one of the world's largest manufacturers of lead acid batteries," said John P. Reilly, the Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors. Reilly continued, "The Board deeply appreciates Craig's contributions to Exide and his commitment to continue with the Company until his successor is identified. We wish him well in his future endeavors."

The Company's Board of Directors has initiated an active search for Mr. Muhlhauser's replacement and has retained a nationally recognized executive search firm to assist it in identifying appropriate candidates.

About Exide Technologies

Exide Technologies, with operations in 89 countries, 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, including its financial results, are available at www.exide.com.