26th March 2008 - Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake Introduces Three New Aftermarket Brake Linings

Actions to Better Align OE and Aftermarket Business Result in New Offerings

Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC – the joint venture between Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC and Dana Commercial Vehicle Products, LLC – has begun the efforts to more closely align its original equipment and aftermarket product portfolios with the introduction of three new air brake friction materials for trucks, tractors, and trailers.

The Bendix® Black friction material, which is currently available, the soon-to-be-launched Bendix® 23K replacement materials, and the ground-breaking Bendix® BX-415 friction material will provide customers an economical answer to maintaining their vehicles with the same top- quality Bendix® OEM friction material, reline after reline. These new alternatives will meet the needs of specific applications, as well as fleet requirements in terms of performance, axle- weight ratings, acquisition cost, and cost-per-mile management.

"Bendix has always offered superior friction materials at all vehicle OEMs and in the aftermarket with our most unified product offering in the trailer market," said Carl Swanson, aftermarket brakes product manager for Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake. "Our new lining options are the natural next step in a comprehensive friction material offering across vehicle configurations and platforms as well as into the aftermarket. By streamlining our portfolio into products that will meet the needs of all markets, we will provide dealers, distributors and fleets the ability to reduce inventories while maintaining their vehicle with the same quality Bendix friction materials OE manufacturers have come to respect.

"The development of three new air brake friction materials represents how Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake is continuing its growth plan and leveraging both its expertise in the braking system market and the strengths of our joint venture."

The Bendix® Black 20K friction material is an economical braking solution for fleets at the 20,000-pound axle weight rating. The Bendix® 23K material, which is scheduled for release in 2008, will set a new standard for friction material by offering a lower acquisition cost solution for fleets using heavier, 23,000-pound-rated axles. Both products are engineered for tractor, trailer, and straight truck applications at their respective axle weight ratings and use a uniquely formulated organic compound for on-highway to city pickup and delivery applications.

Additionally, in 2008, Bendix will launch a new air brake friction material, BX-415™. This material will provide the same performance and value for both OEM and aftermarket customers. This premium lining is well-suited for tractor or trailer applications with a 20,000-pound axle weight rating. It is a low-cost-per-mile material that features exceptional lining life and reduced drum wear.

These, as well as other advanced friction material products, are developed by Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake to safely meet the demands of today’s applications and to enable cost-effective vehicle operation.

About Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC

Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC combines and expands the complementary wheel-end foundation brake technologies of two global leaders – Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC and Dana Commercial Vehicle Products, LLC. The joint venture, formed in July 2004, is a single, complete source for OEM brake system design, manufacturing, hardware, and support for all foundation brake components and actuation systems, as well as all-makes coverage of nearly 50,000 medium- and heavy-duty aftermarket parts. Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC is headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, with engineering operations in both Elyria and Kalamazoo, Mich., and a manufacturing facility in Bowling Green, Ky. For more information, call 1-866-610-9709 or visit www.foundationbrakes.com.

Source: Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake Press Release