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LucasVarity Automotive Wins Multiyear Contract From DaimlerChrysler

30 March 1999

LucasVarity Automotive Wins Multiyear Contract From DaimlerChrysler

    RUSHFORD, Minn., March 30 -- Lucas Body Systems, a business
of LucasVarity Automotive, has been awarded a multiyear contract to supply
heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) panel controls for
DaimlerChrysler's 2000 Model Year Dodge and Plymouth Neon, now in production.
Lucas Body Systems manufactures the HVAC panel control at its plant in
Rushford, Minn.
    The HVAC control for the 2000 Model Year Dodge and Plymouth Neon was
redesigned as part of a new centerstack that reflects a new styling theme.
The knob profiles and knob centers are changed from the previous design.  The
vacuum switch and canceling mechanism have been redesigned to lower cost and
reduce complexity.
    "We are pleased to have won this contract as a result of our superior
record of supplying quality HVAC controls as a Gold Pentastar supplier," said
Tony Bridges, director and general manager, Lucas Body Systems.
"DaimlerChrysler is a key customer of ours and we are committed absolutely to
providing it with world class products and service."
    Lucas Body Systems is the world's largest independent supplier of OEM
vehicle HVAC controls.  Other products produced by Lucas Body Systems include
actuators, column controls, rain sensors, transmission switch sensors and
electronic modules.
    Lucas Body Systems is a business of LucasVarity Automotive.  LucasVarity
Automotive is headquartered in Livonia, Mich., and produces braking,
electrical and electronic systems, diesel systems and aftermarket replacement
parts for the global automotive industry.  It is a division of LucasVarity plc
which designs, manufactures and supplies advanced technology systems, products
and services in the world's automotive and aerospace industries.