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LucasVarity Wins Total Brake System Contract for European Van

13 October 1998

LucasVarity Wins Total Brake System Contract for European Van

    LONDON, Oct. 13 -- LucasVarity plc (London: LVA, NYSE: LVA)
announced today that its Automotive Division has been awarded a brake systems
contract for a light commercial van to be produced by a co-operative venture
between GM's Opel division and the French automaker Renault.
    The contract is LucasVarity's first total brake system contract in Europe,
where the vans are scheduled to go into production in the year 2000 at an IBC
facility in Luton, England.
    LucasVarity components are to include front and rear Colette callipers, a
booster/master cylinder actuation system, a four-wheel antilock braking system
(ABS) with dynamic rear proportioning capabilities, and a load-sensing valve
for non-ABS equipped vehicles.  The Company will have full design
responsibility for all products, including ABS wheel-speed sensors.
    Victor Rice, Chief Executive Officer, said "This contract is especially
significant because it is our first total brake systems award in Europe,
following similar total systems awards in North America and Asia.  It confirms
our ability to provide our customers with full braking systems in all the
world's major automotive markets."
    John Plant, President of LucasVarity Automotive, said "The Opel/Renault
van offers an exceptional opportunity to participate in a market segment with
strong growth potential in Europe and Latin America.  It also presents an
opportunity to demonstrate to our European customers our product strengths and
capabilities."
    LucasVarity plc designs, manufactures and supplies advanced technology
systems, products, and services in the world's automotive and aerospace
industries.