Pep Boys Features Johnson Controls Optima Spiralcell Batteries

    PHILADELPHIA--June 4, 2001--With today's accessory-loaded vehicles, it's more important than ever to have a battery that will start your vehicle time after time, year after year. Johnson Controls OPTIMA SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY(R) batteries deliver the power to provide years of sure starts. The Pep Boys -- Manny, Moe & Jack , the nation's leading full service automotive aftermarket retail and service chain, recently began offering Johnson Controls OPTIMA(R) automotive and marine batteries.
    "Providing our customers the best selection of automotive aftermarket parts and service at the best value helps us maintain our leadership position," says Don Kolmodin, assistant vice president for merchandising for Pep Boys, "Johnson Controls OPTIMA batteries are an exciting addition to our product offerings."
    Featuring a patented design that was originally developed for use by NASA, OPTIMA SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY batteries replace conventional flat lead plates with six rolls of high purity lead plates, individually separated by tightly wound, woven glass. Each of the six OPTIMA battery cells is encased in separate cylinders within the plastic battery case, forming a sealed, closed system that resembles a six-pack of canned beverages. The sturdy construction minimizes internal short circuits that can cause premature battery failure.
    In storage, OPTIMA batteries will hold a charge longer. And, if an OPTIMA battery ever needs to be recharged, it will accept a charge twice as fast as a traditional auto battery.
    Maintenance-free OPTIMA batteries fit a wide variety of cars, trucks and other equipment and can be mounted in any position because they are sealed and leak-proof. In addition, because of their completely sealed cases, OPTIMA batteries are safe and corrosion-resistant. The sealed case design also eliminates the need to add water or clean terminals.
    Built for some of the roughest conditions, OPTIMA automotive batteries are backed by a 24-month free replacement/84-month pro rata warranty. OPTIMA marine batteries have a 12-month free replacement/36-month pro rata warranty.
    Under a multi-year agreement, Johnson Controls began supplying Pep Boys with batteries in March 2001.