Textron Helps Vehicles Keep the Air Clean; Low Emissions Plastic Fuel Systems Are Wave of the Future

    PROVIDENCE, R.I.--Jan. 17, 2003--As the International Auto Show continues this week in Detroit, fuel efficient and low emissions vehicles are taking center stage. One way that automakers and their suppliers are helping to reduce emissions is by improving fuel systems. Kautex, a Textron company and the world leader in plastic fuel systems, has already received two of the first production orders from automakers for plastic fuel systems which meet Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) requirements set forth by the California Air Resources Board. These standards are the toughest emissions requirements in the world.
    Plastic fuel systems are growing in popularity as they replace steel systems in much of the world. Europeans were the first to embrace plastic fuel system technology with 80% of their vehicles already equipped with plastic fuel systems. North American manufacturers are seeing the benefit of this lightweight, malleable, corrosion-free and environmentally-friendly system with 60% of their vehicles now converted to plastic. By 2005, this number is expected to approach 80%. The Asian market stands at 20% plastic and is projected to reach 36% plastic by 2005.
    "With Kautex's innovative technology, the leading plastic fuel systems in the world are now able to meet today's rigid emissions requirements," said Paul Luft, Kautex vice president of engineering. "This is an added benefit of plastic systems, which are rapidly gaining popularity with manufacturers as they are easily molded to accommodate tight fitting areas. Blow-molding technology allows us to make systems in almost any shape." In addition, plastic fuel systems are lighter than steel, helping reduce vehicle fuel consumption. Plastic systems also perform extremely well in vehicle impact and burn resistance testing.
    Textron Inc. is a $12 billion multi-industry company with more than 51,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services in industries such as aircraft, fastening systems, industrial products and components and finance. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com.