Press Releases

Tenneco Automotive Launches New Aftermarket Products In Europe

September 14, 2004

Company Introduces DNX Branded Performance Exhaust, Suspension and Filter Products

FRANKFURT, Germany, September 14, 2004 - Tenneco Automotive (NYSE:TEN), a leader in exhaust and suspension products for the automotive original equipment and aftermarket sectors, introduced its DNX range of performance exhaust, suspension and filter products at the Automechanika show in Frankfurt today. The DNX range leverages, for the first time, Tenneco Automotive's expertise in developing advanced automotive components in the tuning market segment in Europe, with products engineered to help today's generation of sport-compact drivers achieve new levels of engine efficiency, power, esthetics and sound.

Hari Nair, Managing Director, Tenneco Automotive Europe, said, "DNX is part of a product extension strategy that combines our expertise in OE product design and engineering with our experience in aftermarket branding, marketing and distribution. It is the logical next step in building our corporate brand reputation by bringing innovative new products and brands to growth markets."

The company launched the DNX brand in North America in 2003, and has now developed this line-up of performance products for Europe's leading sport-compact performance models. DNX performance exhaust products include complete systems, high-flow muffler assemblies, universal mufflers, catalytic converters, ceramic-coated headers, mid-pipes, and polished, laser-etched/embossed tips.

At the heart of each exhaust system is a lightweight, polished and embossed stainless steel muffler assembly featuring the DNX brand's exclusive "P2 Technology," with dual perforated partitions for improved performance and a powerful, unique tuner sound. P2 technology helps the engine achieve greater horsepower and torque under a wide range of conditions.

"P2 is a key differentiator in today's sport-compact exhaust market," said Nair. "Our engineers know the demands of the sport-compact market and understand the technology behind drag racing. DNX brings the two together to redefine exhaust technology for tuners. We're offering highly sophisticated systems, backed with extreme power, stylish attitude and aggressive sound."

The combination of exclusive ultra-high-flow design and lightweight stainless steel construction means each DNX performance exhaust system is ready to handle demanding performance levels. DNX exhaust systems are also designed for fast, easy installation and include polished and laser-etched tips.

DNX ride control products offer an aggressive look and include coil-over dampers for finely tuning suspensions. The DNX dampers feature a fully-threaded shock body and nine settings of adjustable damping for a unique breed of suspension technology that allows for precise ride height and in-car damping adjustment. DNX's "in-car remote technology" puts quick and easy independent front and rear damping adjustment controls on the dashboard and enables tuning for optimum performance under any conditions.

The DNX filter range is designed to fit original filter housings and features the DNX brand's exclusive "Channel Flow Technology" for improved horsepower and torque, air flow velocity, filtration and fuel economy. In addition, all filters are fully washable.

All DNX products are developed, tested and engineered at Tenneco Automotive's advanced engineering centre in Edenkoben, Germany using the latest design and testing technologies. Exhaust, suspensions and filters are manufactured using high-quality materials in ISO9002 and QS9000 environments.

Tenneco Automotive will begin distributing its DNX branded products in Europe by the end of this year. For product launch status, visit www.dnxperformance.co.uk, or go to www.dnxperformance.com for information on DNX in North America.

Tenneco Automotive is a $3.8 billion manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois and approximately 19,200 employees worldwide. Tenneco Automotive is one of the world's largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of emission control and ride control products and systems for the automotive original equipment market and the aftermarket. Tenneco Automotive markets its products principally under the Monroe®, Walker®, Gillet® and Clevite® Elastomer brand names. Among its products are Sensa-Trac® and Monroe Reflex® shocks and struts, Rancho® shock absorbers, Walker® Quiet-Flow® mufflers, Dynomax® performance exhaust products, and Clevite® Elastomer noise, vibration and harshness control components.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words such as "will" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the company (including its subsidiaries). Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, the company's plans, actions and actual results could differ materially. Among the factors that could cause these plans, actions and results to differ materially from current expectations are: (i) the general political, economic and competitive conditions in markets and countries where the company and its subsidiaries operate, including currency fluctuations and other risks associated with operating in foreign countries; (ii) changes in automotive manufacturers' production rates and their actual and forecasted requirements for the company's products, including the company's resultant inability to realize the sales represented by its awarded book of business; (iii) changes in consumer demand and prices, including decreases in demand for automobiles which include the company's products, and the potential negative impact on the company's revenues and margins from such products; (iv) the cost of compliance with changes in regulations, including environmental regulations; (v) workforce factors such as strikes or labor interruptions; (vi) material substitutions and increases in the costs of raw materials; (vii) the company's ability to develop and profitably commercialize new products and technologies, and the acceptance of such new products and technologies by the company's customers; and (xviii) the timing and occurrence (or non-occurrence) of transactions and events which may be subject to circumstances beyond the control of the company and its subsidiaries. The company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.


CONTACT:
Tenneco Automotive, Media Relations
Jane Ostrander
(1) 847 482 5607
jane.ostrander@tenneco-automotive.com

Tenneco Automotive, Media Relations - Europe
Margie Pazikas
32 (0) 2 706 9470
margie.pazikas@eu.tenneco-automotive.com

Tenneco Automotive, Investor Relations
Leslie Hunziker,
847/482-5042
leslie.hunziker@tenneco-automotive.com

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