Hustler Turf Equipment Selects GE For New Retail Finance Program; GE's Retail Sales Finance Unit to Support Hustler Turf Credit Card.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Hustler Turf Equipment, a pioneer in zero turn lawn mowing technology, has selected GE Consumer Finance's Retail Sales Finance unit to provide its new consumer credit program.

Beginning in January 2006, the Hustler Card program will be available at Hustler Turf Equipment dealers nationwide with a variety of financing options. Hustler is known as a leader in commercial grade lawn care equipment.

"Our customers typically are consumers, lawn care companies, and others who have a professional interest in turf care," said Paul Mullet, president of Hustler Turf Equipment. "They expect professional service. That is exactly what they will get with our new credit program. GE brings in-depth industry knowledge, market experience and professional service to the program, which are a few of the reasons we selected them."

The new Hustler card will make financing fast and simple for contractors and consumers. In addition, the program will provide access to special financing promotions and product offers.

Hustler Turf Equipment is a division of Excel Industries, formerly Hesston Industries. The company was formed in 1960 as a manufacturer of combines and tractor cabs. In 1964 Hustler introduced the first "zero turning radius" mower.

"Hustler Turf Equipment has always been known as an innovator in the Zero Turn industry," said David Caruso, Business Development leader of GE's Retail Sales Finance business unit. "We are excited to help them continue to grow their company and provide the very highest level of service to their dealers and customers."

About Hustler Turf Equipment

Based in Hesston, Kansas, Hustler Turf Equipment, owned by Excel Industries, manufacturers a wide range of commercial and high-end residential lawnmowers. Hustler Turf mowers feature a zero-degree-turning radius, first developed by Excel in 1964. Hustler Turf Equipment continues to focus on research and development to equip its mowers with innovative productivity-enhancing features. Hustler Turf Equipment has enjoyed steady growth, with a dealer base that is 10 times larger than just five years ago. To learn more, visit www.hustlerturfequipment.com.

About Retail Sales Finance and GE Consumer Finance

Retail Sales Finance, based in Kettering, Ohio, is part of GE Consumer Finance and provides private label credit card programs, marketing, installment lending and financial services for national and regional retailers in key industries: home improvement, powersports, outdoor equipment, automotive/recreational vehicles, consumer electronics and appliances, furniture, floor covering, jewelry and health care. With $150 billion in assets, GE Consumer Finance, a unit of General Electric Company, is a leading provider of credit services to consumers, retailers and auto dealers in 47 countries around the world. GE Consumer Finance, based in Stamford, Conn. (USA), offers a range of financial products, including private label credit cards, personal loans, bank cards, auto loans and leases, mortgages, corporate travel and purchasing cards, debt consolidation and home equity loans and credit insurance. More information can be found online at www.geconsumerfinance.com. GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified technology, media and financial services company dedicated to creating products that make life better. Visit www.ge.com for more information.

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