Exide Signs Exclusive Supply Agreement with TBC Corporation PRINCETON, N.J., March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Exide Technologies, (BULLETIN BOARD: EXDTQ) ( http://www.exide.com/ ) a global leader in stored electrical-energy solutions, recently wasawarded an exclusive supply agreement by TBC Corporation , one of the largest marketers of automotive replacement tires in the U.S. This alliance represents a significant new customer for Exide and includes TBC's recent acquisition of National Tire & Battery (NTB) from Sears, Roebuck and Company, completed in November 2003. As a result of the NTB acquisition, TBC increased its total number of retail tire and automotive centers by approximately 25 percent to more than 1,160 locations. The exclusiveagreement will allow Exide to supply its NASCAR(R) battery line to more than 590 retail locations operated by TBC under the "Tire Kingdom", "Merchant's Tire & Auto Centers" and "National Tire & Battery" brands. In addition, more than 570 tire and automotive service centers franchised by TBC under the "Big O Tires" name will have the opportunity to purchase under the same TBC/Exide program. "Our exclusive alliance with TBC Corporation and its retail affiliates affords Exide a tremendous opportunity to supply premium technology products with a premium brand," said Craig H. Muhlhauser, President and CEO of Exide Technologies. "As TBC works to aggressively expand its retail network in the U.S., Exide will continue to build upon our already strong relationship, maintaining our focus on making our customers successful." About Exide Technologies: Exide Technologies, with operations in 89 countries and fiscal 2003 net sales of approximately $2.4 billion, is one of the world's largest producers and recyclers of lead-acid batteries. The company's two global business groups -- industrial energy and transportation -- provide a comprehensive range of stored electrical energy products and services for industrial and transportation applications. Industrial uses include network power applications such as telecommunications systems, electric utilities, railroads, photovoltaic (solar-power related) and uninterruptible power supply (UPS); and motive-power applications for a broad range of equipment uses,including lift trucks, mining vehicles and commercial vehicles. Transportation applications include automotive, heavy-duty truck, agricultural and marine, as well as new technologies being developed for hybrid vehicles and new 42-volt automotive applications. The company supplies both aftermarket and original-equipment transportation customers. Further information about Exide Technologies, its financial results and other information can be found at http://www.exide.com/ . Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements as defined by the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. As such, they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results of the company to be materially different from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These are enumerated in further detail in the company's Form 10-K. MEDIA CONTACT: Jeannine Addams or Kristin Wohlleben Tarkenton & Addams, Inc. 404/231-1132 INVESTOR CONTACT: Doug Morris Gavin Anderson & Company 212/515-1962 DATASOURCE: Exide Technologies CONTACT: Media, Jeannine Addams or Kristin Wohlleben of Tarkenton & Addams, Inc., +1-404-231-1132; or Investors, Doug Morrisof Gavin Anderson & Company, +1-212-515-1962

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