Taiwanese Tire Manufacturer Selects MTS for Multimillion-Dollar Test Systems

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., Dec. 29, 2004 -- MTS Systems Corporation today announced the receipt of a multimillion- dollar order for multiple Model 860 Rolling Resistance Tire Test Systems from Cheng Shin Group, Taiwan. Cheng Shin Group is a long time MTS customer, having previously ordered multiple MTS FlatTrac(R) III Tire Test Systems.

"We rely on MTS tire test systems to measure the full spectrum of performance attributes that define a tire's competitive advantage," said David Tseng, Cheng Shin Group Research & Development Technical Executive. "The ability to capture this critical data accurately and efficiently is integral to our mission of manufacturing superior products that meet and surpass international quality standards."

According to Sidney W. Emery, Jr., MTS chairman and CEO, the sale of multiple Model 860 systems to Cheng Shin Group underscores how well suited MTS products are for the world's fastest growing automotive market. "The Asia- Pacific automotive market is advancing rapidly in both size and sophistication. Accurate, easy-to-use and modular MTS tire test solutions are ideal for meeting the fast-evolving test needs of such a dynamic environment."

The Model 860 Rolling Resistance Tire Test System provides the configuration flexibility and ease-of-use needed to accurately and effectively assess tire rolling resistance for both passenger car and light truck tires. The system is distinguished by its modular design, automated control system, and proprietary MTS multi-axial force transducers that allow rolling resistance, or drag force, to be accurately measured to within 0.5 N. This combination of flexibility, automation, and precision measurement enables Model 860 users to better measure and exploit their technology improvements to gain competitive advantage, especially in response to increased pressure to improve vehicle fuel economy.

About Cheng Shin Group

Headquartered in Changhwa, Taiwan, Cheng Shin Group is the world's 13th largest tire manufacturer with sales in 2004 approaching $1 billion. Its total capital is about $530 million. Cheng Shin Group comprises Cheng Shin / Taiwan (CST), Cheng Shin - Toyo / China (CSTC), Cheng Shin - Xiamen / China (XCS), Cheng Shin - Petrel / China (CSTP), Cheng Shin - Tianjin / China (CSTF) and MAXXIS International / Thailand (MIT). Under the trademark of MAXXIS, the Group produces tires for bicycles, ATVs and Go-Karts, motorcycles, passenger cars, light and industrial trucks, commercial vehicles, buses, and agricultural tractors. Its customers include GM, VW, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Piaggio, Honda, Yamaha, Kymco, and Giant, etc. Additional information on Cheng Shin Group can be found on the worldwide web at http://www.maxxis.com/ .

About MTS Systems Corporation

MTS Systems Corporation is a leading global supplier of test systems and industrial position sensors. The Company's testing hardware and software solutions help customers accelerate and improve their design, development, and manufacturing processes and are used for determining the mechanical behavior of materials, products, and structures. MTS' high performance position sensors provide controls for a variety of industrial and vehicular applications. MTS had 1,615 employees and revenue of $367 million for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2004. Additional information on MTS can be found on the worldwide web at http://www.mts.com/ .