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Breakthrough Modular Fluid Management System Earns Textron Award

17 November 1999

Breakthrough Modular Fluid Management System Earns Textron Automotive The Society of Plastics Engineers' 1999 Grand Award

    TROY, Mich., Nov. 16 -- McCord Winn Textron, a division of
Textron Automotive Company, today announced it has received the 1999 Grand
Award by the Society of Plastics Engineers' Automotive Division for its
automotive modular fluid management system featured on the 2000 Dodge Durango
and Dakota.  Utilizing the company's patented RITec(TM)(Reservoir Integration
Technology), the award-winning application combines the engine coolant and
front and rear washer reservoirs, the fan shroud, and rear filler assembly
into a single, blow-molded component.
    In addition to freeing up valuable space under the hood, this breakthrough
application reduces vehicle weight by approximately 1.2 pounds per vehicle,
provides significant cost savings, greatly reduces assembly plant labor and
floor space, and improves recyclability.  For the consumer, benefits include
easier access to fluid fill points and increased capacity.
    "RITec(TM) is the result of our strong commitment to providing our OEM
partners with innovative solutions to the challenges they face in designing
and producing vehicles that delight their customers," said Sam Licavoli
chairman, president and CEO of Textron Automotive Company.  "I believe this
technology will be in great demand on many global vehicle platforms in the
years to come."
    The RITec(TM) system was chosen as the 1999 SPE Grand Award Winner from
over 100 contestants.  This year marks the third year in a row that the SPE
Competition has honored a Textron Automotive Division.  In 1998, Textron
Automotive Trim Division won the materials category for its innovative
aliphatic thermoplastic urethane instrument panel featured on the Chrysler LH
Series, and in 1997, for the Chrysler Jeep Wrangler left/right instrument
panel in the body interiors category.
    In addition to this latest award by SPE, the McCord Winn RITec(TM) system
was recognized in the United Kingdom by Plastics and Rubber Weekly's 1999
Awards for Excellence in the category of transportation.  RITec(TM) is also a
North American PACE(TM) Awards Finalist for the 2000 program.
    With over $2.7 billion in annual revenues and manufacturing locations in
16 countries, Textron Automotive Company is a leading global supplier of
instrument panels, cockpit modules, exterior and interior trim, plastic fuel
tanks and automotive systems and components.  Globally recognized for
breakthrough proprietary technologies and quality, Textron Automotive Company
has received more than 50 awards for excellence in North America, Europe and
Asia.
    Textron Inc. is an $11.5 billion, global, multi-industry
company with market-leading businesses in Aircraft, Automotive, Industrial and
Finance.  Textron has a workforce of over 65,000 employees and major
manufacturing facilities in 27 countries.  Textron is among Fortune magazine's
"Global Most Admired Companies."  Additional information is available at
http://www.textron.com