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Press Release: Warn Industries Honored by Ford Motor Co.

Warn Industries Honored by Ford Motor Co. For Durability Improvement
to System that Yields Gas Mileage Advancements


CLACKAMAS, Ore. (May 8, 2006) - Warn Industries received one of Ford Motor Co.'s highest honors on May 3 when it was presented with a World Excellence Award from the automaker for impacting customer satisfaction in the area of fuel economy.

More than 150 of Ford's largest suppliers from 17 countries attended the eighth annual World Excellence Awards held in Dearborn, Mich. Overall, 60 honors were presented in three categories - Gold, Silver and Recognition of Achievement.

Warn Industries was one of just nine Ford suppliers who received a Recognition of Achievement Award for impacting customer satisfaction, and was the only supplier recognized for improving high mileage durability of a Ford vehicle.

"I am extremely humbled to accept this tremendous award on behalf of our entire organization," said Warn Industries President Tom Giacomini. "Our Powertrain Division is focused on delivering innovative disconnect solutions that both improve the fuel economy of light trucks and improve customer satisfaction. This award would not have been possible without the countless hours of determined work at Warn Industries and the overwhelming support from our Ford engineering, supplier technical support and purchasing partners."

Tony Brown, Ford senior vice president, Global Purchasing, presented the awards at the ceremony. Other Ford executives in attendance included Chairman and CEO William Ford, and Executive Vice President and President of The Americas Mark Fields.

"Our World Excellence Award-winning suppliers are integral in our ability to address the needs of our customers today and tomorrow," said Brown. "We are grateful for their ceaseless concentration on delivering value."

Ford F-250 and F-350 customers who ordered Warn Industries' Pulse Vacuum Hub Lock (PVH) system on their 2005 vehicles realized a healthy 1 mpg improvement in fuel economy at highway speeds while in 4x2 mode, according to company research.

The patented PVH system, with its unique manual override capability, automatically engages/disengages the F-250 and F-350 hubs when the driver shifts the transfer case to and from 4WD mode. The electronic control signal triggers a control valve that sends vacuum to the wheel-ends, subsequently triggering a latching mechanism which lock in the hubs - an approach that ensures the best engagement time and time again.

All 2005 F-450 and F-550 4x4 models were equipped with Warn Industries' manual hub locks (MLH), which the company has provided to automakers and consumers for more than 50 years.

"Warn Industries is committed to continuing its growth with Ford Motor Co. and is optimistic about the possibility of securing future platforms in addition to our current business on the Ford Super Duty, F-150, Expedition and Navigator," said Giacomini. "Our focus on fuel savings and 4WD/AWD disconnect solutions for global auto manufacturers has positioned our company for future growth in light of the high gas prices that appear to be here to stay."

About Warn Industries
Warn Industries is the world's most recognized brand in off-road products such as hub locks and vehicle recovery winches. As a result of its close working relationships with Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler, Warn Industries is also a Tier 1 supplier of powertrain products specified on the leading domestic automobiles, SUVs and pickup trucks. Further, Warn Industries continues to develop an international presence in Pacific Rim countries by working with Kia, Hyundai, Nissan, and Ssangyong. Warn Industries employs more than 600 people in and around Portland, Ore., Livonia, Mich., The Netherlands and Saltillo, Mexico.

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

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