Warn Industries' Integrated Wheel End System Boosting Fuel Efficiency on
2004 Ford F-150 4x4

Clackamas, OR. (Oct 7, 2004) - In today's climate of skyrocketing gas prices, consumers are looking for any advantage to improve fuel efficiency. On the 2004 Ford F-150 4x4, that advantage is a four-wheel-drive system based on the Integrated Wheel End (IWE) disconnect technology from Warn Industries. The innovative wheel end connect-disconnect system, when used in 4x2 mode, is contributing to fuel savings on the F-150 in the range of a half mile per gallon.

IWE reflects Warn Industries' extensive automotive drivetrain design experience and the company's close cooperation with Ford and other OEM engineers. It is an elegant, yet simple, solution to the fuel consumption problem posed by four-wheel-drive systems. Robust and highly engineered axle, actuation and vacuum control components-fewer than are needed in other 4WD designs-combine to engage or disengage the wheel ends whenever the transfer case is shifted, either automatically or manually. The result is four-wheel drive only when needed, without the need to back up or manually lock and unlock hubs, thus preserving fuel and maximizing driver convenience when used in 4x2 mode.

Warn Industries put the IWE system through extensive performance testing that exceeded demands and driving conditions most F-150 owners will ever face. This included testing of wheel end torsional strength under maximum engine power and frame twist conditions, actuator operation at high speed and high altitude, and performance under water.

"The popularity of Ford's F-150 4x4 attests to many of its engineering innovations," said John McCalla, general manager of the Powertrain Division at Warn Industries. "We're gratified that IWE is helping make the F-150 4x4 a winner for Ford, and that it can help all OEMs successfully tackle the four-wheel-drive fuel economy challenge."

McCalla added that Warn Industries is continuing to refine IWE technology for greater ease of use and application across a wide range of vehicle types.

"Independent of the vehicle application, we're working to ensure that it is inherently compatible with the latest designs in drivelines, wheel bearing and hub assemblies and ABS and AWD systems," he said.

"Warn Industries is focused on delivering proprietary powertrain technologies to our OEM customers that are highly desired by end consumers and create significant advantages for the vehicle line in the marketplace," said Warn Industries' Chief Operating Officer Thomas Giacomini.

About Warn Industries
Warn Industries is the world's most recognized brand in off-road products such as hub locks and vehicle recovery winches. The company is a Tier 1 supplier to Ford Motor Co. and provides powertrain products on leading domestic automobiles, sport utility vehicles and trucks. Further, Warn Industries continues to develop an international presence in Pacific Rim countries by working with Kia, Hyundai, Nissan, and Ssangyong. Warn Industries is a Dover company (NYSE: DOV).

For media inquiries, please contact:
Gary Rubin, PR Manager
503-786-4423
pressinquiry@warn.com

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