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Meritor's Roof Systems Forms Aftermarket Alliance with Autoroofs

9 December 1999

Meritor Automotive's Roof Systems Forms Aftermarket Alliance with Autoroofs, UK Ltd.

    TROY, Mich., Dec. 8 -- The Roof Systems business of Meritor
Automotive has announced the formation of a strategic distribution
agreement with Autoroofs, UK Ltd. of Great Britain.  Effective immediately,
Autoroofs will be the sole aftermarket distributor for the entire Meritor
aftermarket sunroof product line, including the Topline spoiler and a
slide/tilt option.
    Based on the terms of the agreement, Autoroofs' aftermarket distribution
responsibilities will include:  sales and marketing, inventory, technical
support, warranty claims, order entry and receivables collection.  Currently,
Autoroofs operates a distribution facility in Enderby Leicester, England.
    "Autoroofs' dedicated approach to developing both existing and expanding
customer markets is what helped spur this decision.  We have a great deal of
confidence that Autoroofs' experience will translate into the highest level of
aftermarket service for our customers in the coming years," said John
Sotiroff, director - product marketing, Meritor Roof Systems, one of the
businesses of Light Vehicle Systems.  "We're equally impressed with the
significant investment Autoroofs has made in infrastructure and inventory as
it strongly supports their ability to accommodate worldwide distribution
needs."
    Autoroofs has been in the sunroof industry for over 15 years and has had a
long relationship with Meritor via its past relationship with the former
Rockwell-Golde.  In addition to its distribution expertise, Autoroofs brings
to the alliance a state-of-the-art technical/installation training facility,
as well as an established warranty system for both suppliers and customers.
    This new agreement underscores Meritor's commitment to its aperture
systems strategy and the automotive aftermarket -- including better technical
support and increased inventory of roof systems.
    Meritor, with 1999 sales of $4.5 billion, is a global supplier of a broad
range of systems and components for commercial, specialty and light vehicle
OEMs and the aftermarket.  Meritor consists of two businesses:  Heavy Vehicle
Systems, a leading supplier of complete 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 and
suspension systems and wheel products for passenger cars, light trucks and
sport utility vehicles.