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Two New Brake Linings from Meritor Increase Customer Options

25 March 1999

Two New Brake Linings from Meritor Increase Customer Options

    LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 24 -- Meritor Automotive Inc.
has introduced two new brake lining materials which will offer
North American truck operators various braking benefits, including longer life
and outstanding value.
    The two linings, the MA210 and the MA212, were introduced here today at
the Mid-America Trucking Show as part of Meritor's new complete braking
system.  Both are available immediately through authorized outlets of the
company's Worldwide Aftermarket, based in Florence, Ky., and Brampton,
Ontario.
    "Meritor's goal is to raise the level of technology in brake linings to
optimize the performance and life of our customers' stopping systems," said
Walt Frankiewicz, vice president and general manager of Meritor's Heavy
Vehicle Systems (HVS) Braking Systems business.  "Our new brake linings not
only exceed industry standards, but also meet Meritor's stringent OE quality
and consistency standards."

    MA210:  Extended Lining Life
    The MA210 is Meritor's newest premium long-life brake lining, developed
for tractor and trailer use.  Used in the company's extended lining wear brake
package, the MA210 lining significantly improves time-to-reline, depending on
individual fleet usage and vehicle factors.
    "This lining offers as good or better stopping performance than most
20,000 lb.-rated linings and provides improved parking capability,"
Frankiewicz said.  "Our tractor tests, and feedback from customers who have
tested the MA210, indicate that this premium lining's wear rate is
significantly lower than comparably rated linings."
    The MA210 lining is engineered to exceed all FMVSS-121 requirements for
retardation and power, and meets the physical properties of swell and growth,
specific gravity and Gogan hardness.

    MA212:  Outstanding Value
    The MA212 lining offers excellent wear performance and certification up to
20,000 lb. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).  This lining is designed for
general use on trucks, tractors and trailers and performs well under virtually
all conditions.
    "This competitively priced brake lining offers tremendous value,"
Frankiewicz said.  "It's an all-purpose lining that offers good performance
and optimum compatibility with other similarly rated linings being used on the
same vehicle."
    Meritor, with 1998 sales of $3.8 billion, is a global supplier of a broad
range of components and systems for commercial, specialty and light vehicle
OEMs and the aftermarket.  Meritor consists of two businesses:  Heavy Vehicle
Systems, a leading supplier of drivetrain systems and components for medium-
and heavy-duty trucks, trailers and off-highway equipment and specialty
vehicles, including military, bus and coach, and fire and rescue; and Light
Vehicle Systems, a major supplier of roof, door, access control, suspension
and seat adjusting systems and wheels for passenger cars, light trucks and
sport utility vehicles.