GNB Technologies Launches Breakthrough Champion Performance Series Premier Dealer Program: Test Your Battery Before It Tests You.

ATLANTA--(AutomotiveWire)--Aug. 9, 1999--

On the heels of the successful launch of the Champion(R) Performance Series(TM) battery line, Atlanta-based lead-acid battery manufacturer and recycler GNB Technologies introduced today, at a Dallas sales meeting, the Champion Performance Series (CPS) Premier Dealer Program -- a unique dealer package designed solely for key automotive battery installers in the United States.

The CPS Premier Dealer program, available exclusively to key automotive service centers, is the first of its kind and will change the way automotive batteries are tested and sold. Traditionally, a motorist bought a new battery when the old battery failed. The purpose of the CPS Premier Dealer Program is to Test Your Battery Before It Tests You(TM) -- identifying the need for a new battery before a driver is left inconvenienced, stranded or endangered.

The complete package of value-added services features the highly respected Champion Performance Series brand battery line and Preventive Maintenance Program including systematic electrical system diagnostic testing, branded point-of-purchase merchandising tools, targeted direct mail and consumer Battery Day promotional events.

"The CPS Premier Dealer Program is both comprehensive and aggressive, working to identify battery problems before the battery fails," said T.J. Coombs, vice president and general manager, Field Sales Operations, GNB Technologies. "The Test Your Battery Before It Tests You package makes it easier than ever for automotive service providers to keep motorists from being stranded by a dead battery. It's a win-win situation for both battery installers and consumers."

With the state-of-the-art CPS3000(TM) handheld battery system analyzer, service locations can test a battery in less than a minute and the starter, alternator and electrical starting system in less than two minutes. The CPS Premier Dealer program is the most comprehensive, consumer-oriented preventive maintenance diagnostic program available in the industry today.

In addition to battery testing, the CPS Premier Dealer Program offers consumers 24 hour roadside assistance, an 18 month free replacement warranty and up to 72 months of Pro-Rata Warranty on all Champion Performance Series Batteries. The CPS Premier Dealer Program also enables automotive service centers to extend additional, improved services to their customers.

"The launch of the CPS Premier Dealer Program will institutionalize preventive battery maintenance, changing the face of routine automotive service from reactive to proactive," said Mr. Coombs. "GNB is extremely excited about the launch of this industry leading program that will allow us to provide a select customer base with a superior package of value-added consumer products and services."

The CPS Premier Dealer Program is being launched to battery installers beginning August 16, 1999.

NOTE TO EDITORS: 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 (Nasdaq: PDLPY), which is traded as an ADR. GNB can be found on the Internet at www.gnb.com.

(R)Champion is a registered trademark of Federal-Mogul Corporation. Distributed by GNB Technologies.

(TM)Performance Series, CPS3000 and Test Your Battery Before It Tests You are trademarks of GNB Technologies Inc.