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June 28, 2005

Delivering Walker® Advantage For Imports Means Focusing On OE-Style Sound, Fit And Quality

Precision-Fit Quiet-Flow® Welded Assemblies and Premium Mufflers Deliver Performance and Durability Expected by Owners of Foreign-Nameplate Models

Monroe, MI - Recognizing that the owners of import passenger vehicles prefer replacement components that deliver OE-style performance and durability, Tenneco Automotive has developed a vast array of premium Walker exhaust products that help deliver like-new sound and flow characteristics and feature premium materials for extended service life.

Walker Quiet-Flow® premium direct-fit welded exhaust assemblies and mufflers, available for hundreds of popular import applications, feature advanced tuning technologies and optimized internal routing to ensure sound and flow characteristics that meet or exceed vehicle manufacturer specifications. Each one-piece welded Quiet-Flow® import assembly also provides a precise, trouble-free fit that matches OE routing and flange location, helping installers increase bay productivity.

Unlike many competing exhaust products, Walker Quiet-Flow® import welded assemblies and mufflers are offered with a limited lifetime warranty, a key selling advantage that addresses the needs of today's consumers.

"Import service specialists and other shops that are successful in the import exhaust category understand the importance of offering an OE-quality product backed by a comprehensive warranty," said Richard Alameddine, vice president of marketing, North American Aftermarket, for Tenneco Automotive. "Import owners expect their vehicles to sound like new following an exhaust repair and to have the added confidence of a quality guarantee. Walker delivers on each of these expectations."

The Walker brand's technology advantage in the import category reflects Tenneco Automotive's global OE engineering and manufacturing capabilities. This extensive OE involvement helps the company's engineers achieve premium sound and flow for replacement applications by utilizing a variety of advanced tuning and internal design features. Each Walker import exhaust assembly and muffler is tuned to the unique characteristics of each engine model and vehicle platform, resulting in enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty, according to Alameddine.

"Our focus on premium sound, flow, quality and fit helps ensure there are no surprises following the repair for either the installer or consumer," he said. "That's a crucial service advantage in the import category, where consumers might be relying on non-dealership service for the first time. By choosing Walker, the installer won't let these new customers down."

Each Quiet-Flow® import welded assembly and muffler also is covered by Tenneco Automotive's exclusive 90-day "Safe & Sound Guarantee" money-back trial offer. (Restrictions apply; please visit www.walkerexhaust.com for program details.)

"The 'Safe & Sound Guarantee' is a step beyond anything offered by other exhaust manufacturers; we're helping the installer convince import owners that Walker products are a better choice than other brands, including the products available through their vehicle dealership," Alameddine said.

For more information on Walker products for foreign-nameplate applications, please contact your Walker supplier, visit www.walkerexhaust.com, or write to: Walker for Imports, One International Drive, Monroe, MI 48161. To locate the nearest Walker installer, simply use the "Dealer Locator" feature on www.walkerexhaust.com.

Tenneco Automotive is a $4.2 billion manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois and approximately 18,400 employees worldwide. Tenneco Automotive is one of the world's largest producers and marketers of ride control and exhaust systems and products, which are sold under the Monroe® and Walker® global brand names. Among its products are Sensa-Trac® and Monroe Reflex® shocks and struts, Rancho® shock absorbers, Walker® Quiet-Flow® mufflers and Dynomax® performance exhaust products, and Monroe® Clevite® vibration control components.

Contact
Pinnacle Communications Group Inc.
Drew Shippy
(1) 330 688 3500
drew@pinmedia.com