---

Standard Motor Products Closes Phase I of Service Line Divestiture

4 September 1998

Standard Motor Products Closes Phase I of Service Line Divestiture

    NEW YORK, Sept. 3 -- Standard Motor Products, Inc.
, automotive replacement parts manufacturer and distributor
announced today that it has completed the initial and most significant phase
of the sale of its Service Line Business to R&B, Inc. .  To
accommodate a smooth transition of assets and maintain continued high levels
of customer support, the sale is being closed in three phases.  The initial
phase, that of the sale of certain Champ Service Line assets and the
consignment of APS inventory to R&B, Inc. is now completed.  Closings on the
two remaining smaller product lines, PIK-A-NUT fasteners and Everco brass and
brake lines, are scheduled for October 1, 1998 and November 1, 1998
respectively.
    The final purchase price will not be determined until after the final
closing in November.  The Company estimates net proceeds, including collection
of outstanding receivables as of closing, will be approximately $7 million.
The proceeds will be used to pay down high coupon debt and fund high return
capital projects.
    Mr. Lawrence Sills, President said, "Although the sale process has been
long, it was important to make sure our long-standing customers could be
properly serviced during an involved transition process.  Although this
business did not fit into Standard's long term product line strategy or EVA
objectives, R&B, Inc. is the best buyer to maximize the value of this business
and best serve the customers.  As we have previously stated, it was in the
best interest of our shareholders to divest this business and redeploy the
assets into higher return projects."