[3] Genuine Parts Company and Snap-on Form E-commerce-based Alliance; New Effort to Combine Electronic and Internet Ordering of Replacement Parts With Repair Information.

Business Editors & Automotive/Retail Writers

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 11, 2000

Larry Prince, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Genuine Parts Company, announced that "a strategic alliance had been formed between Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC) and Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE: SNA) that will enhance and expand the e-business efforts of both companies." This combined effort unites the electronic, on-line replacement parts ordering capability of Genuine Parts with the on-line repair information capabilities of Mitchell Repair Information, a subsidiary of Snap-on. Genuine Parts purchased a 15% interest in Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC ("MRIC") from Snap-on. Additional terms were not disclosed.

MRIC is the leading diagnostic and repair information company with over 35,000 North American subscribers linked to its services and information databases. MRIC's core product, "Mitchell ON-DEMAND", is a premier electronic repair information source in the automotive aftermarket.

Through the integration of MRIC's repair information into GPC's parts ordering and delivery systems, the strategic investment will provide Genuine Parts with a competitive edge in the company's future business-to-business and business-to-consumer e-commerce initiatives. Larry Prince commented, "As we integrate this strategic investment and roll-out our e-commerce initiatives, GPC will align with the premier aftermarket repair information firm which will expand the company's opportunity to generate additional revenues."

Mr. Prince continued, "Working together, we believe we can offer a total, integrated solution to our approximately 10,000 NAPA AutoCare Centers. The alliance provides the capability to integrate certain repair information and parts ordering and deliver the enhanced value of this combination through electronic and Internet-based technologies."

Genuine Parts and Snap-on are developing mutually beneficial commercial arrangements designed to provide for:

--   licensing of certain elements of the MRIC database to enhance
     NAPA's business and consumer-directed Internet activities;

--   integration of select repair information with the NAPA parts
     catalog to facilitate the identification, ordering and delivery
     of replacement parts to the professional installer;

--   leveraging Genuine Parts' distribution channel of more than 6,000
     NAPA AUTO PARTS stores with the strengths of Snap-on in
     information and electronic systems, as well as tools and
     equipment (outside of the Snap-on(R) brand of heritage tools and
     equipment).

Mr. Prince concluded, "We are especially pleased with this alliance as it is the first in a series of strategic initiatives that we expect to announce in 2000 aimed at further expanding GPC's presence and revenue opportunities into the e-commerce arena. The anticipated volume of e-transactions coupled with GPC's commitment and reputation for outstanding service will position us to be an important player in this evolving Internet economy from the business-to-business market. The agreement with Snap-on represents another important step in the implementation of Genuine Parts' overall Internet strategy."

Founded in 1920, Snap-on is an S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin and employs approximately 14,000 worldwide. Snap-on is a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of tool, diagnostic and equipment solutions for professional tool users. The Mitchell Repair Information business was founded in 1917 and is a leading diagnostic and repair information provider. MRIC's core product is the electronic product called "Mitchell ON-DEMAND", which contains the parts and labor information for vehicle repair. MRIC has over 35,000 electronic subscribers in North America, making it the largest repair information source to the professional technician. In addition, MRIC offers printed repair manuals, customer support, PC based management system for auto repair shops and Repair Net, an Internet source to its products and services.

Genuine Parts Company is a distributor of automotive replacement parts in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The Company also distributes industrial replacement parts in the U.S., Canada and Mexico through its Motion Industries subsidiary. S. P. Richards Company, the Office Products Group, distributes product nationwide in the U.S. and in Canada. The Electrical/Electronic Group, EIS, Inc., distributes electrical and electronic components throughout the U.S. and Mexico. Genuine Parts Company had 1998 revenues of $6.6 billion and net income of $355.8 million.

Various statements in this release may constitute forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated as a result of various important factors, which are discussed in Genuine Parts Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.