MILTON, Ga., Oct. 29, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Exide Technologies (Nasdaq:XIDE) (www.exide.com), a global leader in stored electrical-energy solutions and the maker of the Official Battery of NASCAR(R), announces the expansion of one of its premium offerings for the automotive aftermarket, the Exide(R) NASCAR(R) Extreme(TM) battery line. At the Company's exhibit at AAPEX 2009, the annual trade show representing the $405 billion global automotive aftermarket, Exide will feature the recently introduced seven new part numbers joining its NASCAR(R) Extreme(TM) portfolio, a move that broadens the coverage for this product to nearly 70 percent of transportation vehicles on the road today.

Expansion of a Premium Product Line: The Exide(R) NASCAR(R) Extreme(TM)

Launched in 2006 with five part numbers and sold through dealers, automotive repair shops and specialty retailers in the United States, the Exide(R) NASCAR Extreme(TM) is a premium battery offering engineered to deliver optimal power, performance and durability in the harshest conditions.

The addition of seven new part numbers to the Exide(R) NASCAR(R) Extreme(TM) line -- 27-E108, 27F-E108, 36R-E108, 51-E108, 51R-E108, 59-E108 and 78-E108 -- is a significant expansion to respond to customers who are keeping their vehicles longer. The line now fits nearly 70 percent of transportation vehicles in operation, representing an increase in coverage in an ever-changing marketplace.

"Increasing the coverage for our Exide(R) NASCAR(R) Extreme(TM) automotive battery offering demonstrates that our Company places high emphasis on serving customers in a rapidly changing marketplace as well as our versatility and ability to expand technological innovation across a high-performing, premium product line," said Bruce Cole, President, Transportation - Americas for Exide Technologies.

Performance Matters

Because extreme temperatures and vibration are the leading causes of premature battery failure, the technology developed for the Exide(R) NASCAR(R) Extreme(TM) battery line was tested and proven under extreme conditions in taxi fleets in Las Vegas and Phoenix. In these environments, the batteries consistently lasted longer than other lead calcium products. Exide(R) NASCAR(R) Extreme(TM) batteries also offer one of the best warranties in the business -- a full 40-month free replacement and 108-month limited warranties, along with a 40-month, 24/7 jump start assistance program -- providing unsurpassed total protection.

Exide's NASCAR(R) Extreme(TM) batteries also contain a number of features and benefits that make them technological leaders. The Exide Silver Shield positive grid technology offers protection against corrosion, while STABL-LOK(R) anchored plates resist vibration damage.