Cottman Transmission Systems, LLC Opens 400th Service Center; Maintains its Position as the Nation's Fastest-Growing Transmission Repair Chain

HORSHAM, Pa.--Oct. 2, 20040, 2004--Cottman Transmission Systems, LLC, announced today that it is opening its 400th service center in Newport News, VA, on Thursday, October 21, 2004. Cottman repairs, remanufactures, and services automotive transmissions and has 400 franchised locations in 46 states. For the past several years, Cottman has been on an aggressive growth path, opening 100 new stores since 2001, and increasing its store count from 300 to 400 locations. For fiscal year 2004, Cottman's system wide sales exceeded $155 million.

Cottman is planning a gala Grand Opening at its new center at 13669 Warwick Blvd. in Newport News, VA. The No. 9 Cottman Ford Taurus, which runs in the 2004 NASCAR Busch Series, will be on site, as will several local radio stations doing remote broadcasts or appearances. Cottman executives, including President and CEO Todd P. Leff, will be on hand, along with local dignitaries, for a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:00 p.m. on the 21st.

"We see the opening of our 400th location and our sustained growth as a validation of the strategic initiatives we put in place several years ago: offer ethical, high-quality repair services, improve the customer repair experience, and market our services with fun, promotions-driven campaigns," said Mr. Leff. "We are adding an average of five new centers to the chain every month. At that rate, we expect to be at the 500 center mark by mid 2006."

Joe Roth, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will own the Newport News, VA, location. Before joining Cottman as the owner of Center #400, he worked in the banking industry. "I had no idea when I approached Cottman about a franchising opportunity that I would be a part of this company milestone," said Mr. Roth. "Opening a Cottman center is both great fun and a great challenge, and being a part of this celebration has made the process even more exciting. I look forward to making this center successful and to working with Todd and the company to create long-term success for the enterprise."

About Cottman Transmission Systems, LLC

Founded in 1962, Cottman Transmission is the nation's leading chain of transmission repair centers. With 400 locations coast to coast, Cottman specializes in every phase of transmission work, including manual and automatic transmissions, American and import vehicles, and front-wheel and four-wheel drives. Cottman technicians undergo regular, rigorous training and use the latest state-of-the-art electronic diagnostic equipment. For more information, please visit Cottman's website at www.cottman.com.

Cottman Transmission. 400 Locations. One Dedicated Attitude