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AlliedSignal Introduces New FRAM(R) TOUGH GUARD(TM) Oil Filter

11 July 1997

AlliedSignal Introduces New FRAM(R) TOUGH GUARD(TM) Oil Filter

        Specially Designed Filter Tackles Demanding Driving Conditions

    RUMFORD, RI, July 11 -- AlliedSignal Automotive Aftermarket,
a leader in the aftermarket filter industry, has unveiled the latest defense
against demanding driving conditions -- the new FRAM TOUGH GUARD oil filter.
    "The FRAM TOUGH GUARD oil filter is a true 'step-up' filter, with
innovative, advanced features designed for maximum engine protection,"
explains Jeffrey Bye, AlliedSignal's Director of FRAM filter products. "TOUGH
GUARD raises the standard for engine protection in vehicles operating under
severe conditions including extreme heat or cold, stop-and-go traffic,
unusually dirty roads and heavy loads and towing."
    Bye added that TOUGH GUARD strengthens an already strong FRAM brand name
and provides AlliedSignal's customers with a truly complete line of filters to
meet the demands of their customers.  "The addition of the TOUGH GUARD oil
filter fills a niche, adds value to our filter product offering and gives our
customers a greater return on their investment."
    The FRAM TOUGH GUARD oil filter features a number of advanced innovations
including:

    *  Synthetic glass and cellulose media:  The most advanced feature is the
       filter media which is a combination synthetic glass and cellulose media
       uniquely formulated for top-rated efficiency for the life of the
       filter.  In fact, FRAM TOUGH GUARD has a top-rated single-pass
       efficiency of 98% -- far above the average efficiency rating of most
       oil filters at 74.6%.
    *  Screen-over by-pass valve:  Provides back-up filtration for the times
       when the filter might become clogged in extremely dusty or dirty
       conditions -- or when oil flows through the by-pass valve during cold
       start-ups.
    *  Silicone anti-drainback valve:  Constructed of silicone, the gasket
       remains flexible and continues to perform -- even in extreme heat.
    *  PTFE-coated exterior gasket:  Reduces friction making it easier when
       removing the filter.

    "Regular oil and oil filter changes are recognized as probably the most
critical services to perform on a vehicle to ensure proper engine lubrication,
protection and extended top-level performance," states Bye.  "The FRAM TOUGH
GUARD oil filter is designed to exceed these criteria especially when
demanding driving conditions are the norm."
    AlliedSignal engineers recommend changing the oil and oil filter every
3,000 miles to maintain optimum engine protection.
    AlliedSignal is backing the new TOUGH GUARD filter with an integrated
merchandising support program aimed at generating high-level consumer
attention, increase in-store traffic and improve customer profits.
    FRAM TOUGH GUARD features a glossy silver and orange design that
complements the well-known "wall of orange" for FRAM's EXTRA GUARD, EXTRA LIFE
and accessory filters.  FRAM TOUGH GUARD is offered in 22 models that cover 94
percent of U.S. automotive applications.  Merchandising support also includes:

    *  Consumer brochure:  Easy-to-read, pocket size brochure describes the
       features and benefits of the new filter.  Available in English and
       Spanish.
    *  Shelf danglers:  Colorful, point-of-purchase attention grabbers draw
       customers to the product.  Available in English and Spanish.
    *  Shelf talkers:  In-store "billboards" designed to communicate the FRAM
       TOUGH GUARD story.  Available in English and Spanish.
    *  TOUGH GUARD poster:  Four-color traffic builder draws attention to the
       product and brings customers into the store.

    AlliedSignal Automotive Aftermarket, a unit of Southfield, Michigan-based
AlliedSignal Automotive, is a leader in the North American replacement parts
market.  Based in Rumford, RI, the unit markets and distributes FRAM(R)
filters, Bendix(R) brakes, Autolite(R) electronics and Prestone(R) products.
Visit the Aftermarket on the Internet at
 http://www.alliedsignal.com/automotive/aftermarket.  Information about AlliedSignal
Automotive is available on the Internet at
 http://www.alliedsignal.com/automotive.
    AlliedSignal is an advanced manufacturing company serving
customers worldwide with aerospace and automotive products, chemicals, fibers,
plastics and advanced materials.

SOURCE  AlliedSignal Automotive