Arvin Completes 49% Investment in German O.E. Exhaust Manufacturer

7 January 1999

Arvin Completes 49% Investment in German O.E. Exhaust Manufacturer

    COLUMBUS, Ind.--Jan. 7, 1999--Arvin Industries, Inc. , a leading worldwide manufacturer of vehicle exhaust systems and ride control products for the original equipment (O.E.) and replacement markets, and Zeuna Starker GmbH & Co.KG., a German manufacturer of automotive exhaust systems, announced the completion of Arvin's investment of 49% interest in Zeuna Starker. The investment was announced in December, 1998, and was subject to regulatory approval and completion of final documentation, which have now been received and completed. The investment was financed with internally-generated funds. The terms of the agreement have not been released.
    Zeuna Starker is a premier exhaust systems supplier headquartered in Augsburg, Germany. With annual revenues estimated at $725 million Deutsche Marks, or roughly $425 million U.S. dollars, Zeuna Starker is one of the largest independent exhaust producers in Germany. Major customers include Mercedes Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Volvo, Rolls Royce, and Bentley. Zeuna Starker offers a full product range of exhaust products including catalytic converters, pipe, mufflers and complete systems to the original equipment manufacturers, with manufacturing facilities in Germany, South Africa, Italy, Hungary, and the United States.
    Arvin Industries, Inc., with revenues of $2.3 billion, is a global manufacturer of automotive components with over 50 manufacturing facilities and eight technical centers located in 16 countries. Major original equipment exhaust customers include Ford, Jaguar, Mazda, General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, Volkswagen, Fiat, Renault, Rover, BMW, Volvo, Peugeot, Lamborghini and Maserati. Arvin is a leading manufacturer of automotive exhaust systems, ride control products, and gas charged lift supports. Our replacement products are sold under various trademarks including Arvin, Maremont, Timax, ANSA and ROSI for exhaust systems, Gabriel in shock absorbers, and StrongArm gas charged lift supports.
    For more information on Arvin Industries via the Internet, visit our Corporate Home Page at http://www.arvin.com or our Corporate News on the Net site at http://www.businesswire.com/cnn/arv.htm. For information via fax, please call our News On Demand service at 888-622-1161.

    NOTE TO EDITORS: In the word "Starker" mentioned throughout this
    press release, the "a" should have an umlaut symbol above it.
    This symbol was removed for transmission purposes only.