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Breakthrough Modular Fluid Management System Earns Textron Nomination

21 December 1999

Breakthrough Modular Fluid Management System Earns Textron Automotive PACE(TM) 2000 Finalist Nomination

    TROY, Mich., Dec. 20 -- McCord Winn Textron, a division of
Textron Automotive Company, announced today that it has been named a finalist
for its patented RITec(TM) (Reservoir Integration Technology) innovation in
the PACE(TM) (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contributions to Excellence)
awards.
    The award-nominated technology 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 break-through 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.  The automotive modular fluid management system
is featured on the 2000 Dodge Durango and Dakota.
    The Automotive News PACE(TM) Award program honors automotive suppliers who
have embraced innovation or adapted and reinvented themselves to keep abreast
of the constantly rising performance bar of the OEM customer.
    This prestigious program sets the standard for innovation and excellence
and has become a significant industry credential.  The award is co-sponsored
by Automotive News, Ernst & Young LLP and WWJ Newsradio 950.
    The PACE(TM) 2000 nomination marks the third finalist nomination awarded
to a Textron Automotive Division within the last two years.  In 1999 McCord
Winn Textron and Textron Automotive Trim were both nominated as PACE(TM)
finalists.
    "This award winning RITec(TM) technology is another example of our strong
commitment to our OEM partners throughout the world," said Sam Licavoli
chairman, president and CEO of Textron Automotive Company.  "We are
continually developing innovative products and processes that add value and
reduce cost through creative, out-of-the-box thinking."
    The RITec(TM) system was recently chosen as the 1999 SPE Grand Award
Winner and was also recognized in the United Kingdom by the 1999 Plastics and
Rubber Weekly Awards for Excellence in the category of transportation.
    With over $2.9 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 .