Universal Trailer Corp. and GE Announce Credit Program; Largest U.S. Maker of Specialty Trailers Adds Consumer Financing Option

ST. PAUL, Minn.--May 2, 2005--Universal Trailer Corporation, the leader in the $2 billion specialty enclosed trailer market, has announced that it will partner with GE Consumer Finance's Retail Sales Finance unit to offer a new private label credit card program.

Universal Trailer Corporation, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, manufactures market-leading equine and livestock trailers under the Sooner and Exiss brands. Universal Trailer's Haulmark brand is the leading manufacturer of enclosed cargo, motor sports, and custom specialty trailers. The company will offer the Universal Trailer Credit Card, beginning this month through its network of more than 600 dealers.

"This is an exciting step for us," said Scott Bennett, Chief Financial Officer of Universal Trailer. "One of our goals is to provide consumer value by making their life easier. With the Universal Trailer consumer credit card, not only do we build brand equity, we also make it easier for new and returning customers to finance their trailers, specialty items, and accessories."

GE has provided consumer financing for Universal Trailer products for several years through its industry credit products.

Universal Trailer's wide variety of trailer products range in price from under $3,000 to over $100,000. They are used to transport an almost unlimited array of items, from motorsports and landscaping equipment, to livestock and show horses.

"We have done business with Universal Trailer Corp. for several years now, so they know our capabilities very well," said Greg Pierce, Power Products Leader for Retail Sales Finance, part of GE Consumer Finance. "Universal Trailer leads its industry, and we're excited to help them continue to grow their business through consumer financing solutions, program marketing and dealer and buyer service."

Because most specialty trailer companies are privately held, there are few firm industry statistics available. However, it is estimated that more than 250,000 enclosed specialty trailers were sold in the United States last year, to go with 276,000 open flatbed trailers sold.

About Universal Trailer Corporation

Universal Trailer is the largest specialty trailer manufacturer in North America with facilities in seven states. It produces a broad selection of cargo, horse, livestock, motor sport, snowmobile, ATV, motorcycle, concession, custom and specialty trailers. Its brands - Haulmark, Exiss and Sooner - are signposts on the Road to Value. To find out more about the company, visit http://www.universaltrailercorp.com/.

About Retail Sales Finance and GE Consumer Finance

Retail Sales Finance, based in Kettering, Ohio, is part of GE Consumer Finance and provides private label credit card programs, marketing, installment lending and financial services for national and regional retailers in key industries: outdoor equipment, powersports, home improvement, automotive/recreational vehicles, consumer electronics and appliances, furniture, floor covering, jewelry and health care. With more than $151 billion in assets, GE Consumer Finance, a unit of General Electric Company, is a leading provider of credit services to consumers, retailers and auto dealers in 41 countries around the world. GE Consumer Finance, based in Stamford, Conn. (USA), offers a range of financial products, including private label credit cards, personal loans, bank cards, auto loans and leases, mortgages, corporate travel and purchasing cards, debt consolidation and home equity loans and credit insurance. More information can be found online at www.geconsumerfinance.com. GE is a diversified technology, media and financial services company dedicated to creating products that make life better. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.ge.com