09-08-2001

INTERNATIONAL(R) TRUCK & ENGINE CORPORATION ADOPTS METTON(R) LMR FOR FIRST ALL-PLASTIC CLASS 8 TRACTOR HOOD/FENDER ASSEMBLY

CHICAGO (August 9, 2001) – International® Truck and Engine Corp. announced here the introduction of the industry’s first all-plastic, class 8 tractor hood/fender assembly manufactured by Paramont LLC (formerly 21st Century Containers, Ltd). International’s 9900ix premium model series, heavy truck hood/fender assemblies that use METTON® liquid molding resin (LMR) from Metton America, Inc. (Atlanta) are approximately 90 square feet (8.36 m2) in outer surface area, they also cost less, and are 25-percent lighter than previous designs using hand spray-up, fiberglass composites. The METTON LMR material gives International’s plastic assemblies the added advantages of significantly faster throughput; better impact resistance; greater dimensional accuracy; and an improved, Class A paintable surface finish.