GNB Technologies Launches the Champion Vortex Battery
1 November 1999
GNB Technologies Launches the Champion Vortex Battery; Proven SpiralCell Technology, Trusted Champion Brand
ATLANTA--Oct. 29, 1999--GNB Technologies today launched the Champion(R) Vortex(TM), the first product resulting from GNB's joint technology agreement with Optima Batteries which was announced Oct. 4.The Champion Vortex is a unique, technologically advanced battery based on the original Optima SpiralCell Technology(R). The SpiralCell configuration is a sealed, valve-regulated design with a positive plate, negative plate and a separator wound in a tight spiral to create each cell. The configuration produces a battery with superior performance, exceptional shock and vibration resistance, and up to three times the service life of a conventional automotive battery. The product is available to GNB customers now. Shipments to a number of retail customers will begin in November.
The Vortex has a number of exclusive features that make the battery far superior to other spiral-wound batteries. In a group size 35/75/25, the Champion Vortex fits more than 65 percent of the vehicles on the road today. The Vortex battery also has higher cranking amps in a smaller physical package and significantly longer service life, as demonstrated by industry-standard testing. The Vortex is manufactured in the U.S., in Optima's state-of-the-art facility in Denver, Colo.
The Vortex is well suited for rough duty applications -- sport utility vehicles, trucks, farm and construction equipment, as well as the traditional high-performance automotive applications. With this product, GNB also plans to penetrate a number of specialty market segments, including off-road SUV; 4x4; heavy duty and commercial fleets; police, fire and emergency vehicles.
"The Vortex gives consumers proven SpiralCell Technology and the trusted Champion brand name in one powerful package. With GNB's extensive marketing reach, the Champion Vortex will be available in a wide range of popular retail outlets," said Russ Reynolds, vice president and general manager of the automotive battery division of GNB. "Because of the product's proven Optima SpiralCell Technology, we project the Champion Vortex will provide our customers with significant sales increases."
The Champion Vortex has a number of exclusive features that make the battery an unmatched performer:
| -- | Sealed, valve-regulated technology is spillproof, leakproof, can be used in any orientation and does not release gas. |
| -- | Absorbent glass mat separators hold acid like a sponge, creating outstanding grid coverage, efficient use of active material and reduced failure because of paste shedding. |
| -- | Pure lead-tin grids result in lower corrosion. |
| -- | Close grid spacing allows for lower internal resistance, more efficient energy delivery and consistent cranking over wide temperature ranges. |
| -- | The unique, "six-pack" case with round cells provide greatest surface area and maximum heat dissipation. |
| -- | Over-the-partition intercell connections provide greater reliability. |
The result: no maintenance, better performance and longer life.
"As the originator of the SpiralCell Technology, Optima Batteries has a ten year record of precise manufacturing process controls for this specialized, high-performance battery technology. No other manufacturer can match its production and superior process," said Bengt Hagander, vice president of Gylling Optima Batteries AB.
Like all GNB products, the Champion Vortex is virtually 100 percent recyclable. GNB is an industry leader in recycling spent batteries and manufacturing new batteries with recycled materials.
Editors' Notes:
GNB Technologies is an integrated provider of power technology products. It manufactures and recycles lead-acid batteries for the automotive, recreational boating, farm, heavy duty truck, electric utility, industrial electric vehicle, photovoltaic, lift truck, railroad, telecommunications and uninterruptible power supply markets in more than 50 countries. GNB Technologies is wholly owned by Pacific Dunlop Limited of Melbourne, Australia , which is traded as an ADR. GNB can be found on the Internet at www.gnb.com.
Gylling Optima Batteries AB (public), member of the Gylling Group of Scandinavia founded in 1912, is the parent company of the Optima Group. Optima Batteries are sold by Authorized Dealers and are primarily used by professionals in demanding applications such as heavy construction, military, emergency and motorsport vehicles. Optima Batteries Inc. in Aurora Colorado is the Group's R&D and manufacturing company and handles sales and marketing in North and South America. Optima Batteries AB in Stockholm, Sweden is responsible for sales and marketing in rest of the world. Optima can be found on the internet at www.optimabatteries.com. Gylling Optima Batteries AB is listed at Stockholm Stockexchange (SX-O:OPTB).
(R)Champion is a registered trademark of Federal-Mogul Corporation.
(TM)Vortex is a trademark of Federal-Mogul Corporation.
(R)SpiralCell Technology is a registered trademark of Optima Batteries Inc.
This text and corresponding photos are available on the Internet at www.gnb.com.
For further information, please contact
GNB
Steve Purcell, Vice President, Marketing
Phone: 770/551-9171
Email: spurcell@gnb.com
Optima Batteries Inc.
Bill Whitacre, National Account Manager
Phone: 303/340-7425
Email: bwhitacre@optimabatteries.com