Grote Forms Lighting Joint Venture with Rinder

Luxi® to Specialize in High Technology, Quick Turnaround

Engineering and Manufacturing Lighting in 6 Countries

Madison, IN (March 25, 2005) - Grote Industries has announced a major new joint venture agreement with European lighting leader Rinder Group of Spain.

The new company is to be called Luxi® and will be headquartered in Guernica, Spain and Madison, Indiana.

Featuring engineering centers in the US and Europe, as well as manufacturing facilities in the US, Canada, Mexico, Spain, India and Portugal, Luxi® will be optimally positioned to provide lighting and safety solutions for the complete medium and heavy-duty vehicle range.

With state-of-the-art product in forward lighting, signal lighting, work lights, harness systems and vehicle safety accessories, Luxi® can provide custom solutions conforming to SAE-DOT, E-Mark and ARAI standards. Luxi® will provide OEM and aftermarket innovation for vehicles ranging from motorcycles to Class 8 haulers.

John Grote, recently named managing director of Luxi® in the EU, said that the goal is "to develop innovative vehicle lighting and electrical systems utilizing the latest technologies."

"Our target is those OEMs requiring superior solutions and service levels not now available.  Luxi® will provide the highest level of service to those customers who place a value on rapid turnaround times and responsiveness", he concluded.

Fernando Echevarria, Rinder's managing director echoed those thoughts and added "It is an honor to put together a company which can supply the automotive industry worldwide. Fifty years of Rinder experience joins with over 100 years of Grote growth. The ability to adapt to continuous changes has given us a great foundation and capability to offer our customers world level quality services".

Bill Grote, Grote Industries' chairman and CEO promised that Luxi® will be able to draw on "a long history with vehicle OEMs, an innovative spirit and a firm commitment towards customers' satisfaction. Luxi® can provide a solid platform for complete product, from design and development to manufacture and logistics".

Rinder is well known throughout the EU, with an OEM customer base that includes Iveco, Kubota, Jaguar, Rover and Nissan. An ambitious expansion plan was started in 1997 with a new manufacturing location in Asia.

Grote Industries is one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of vehicle safety systems and is QS-9000, ISO-14001 and recently TS-16949 certified. For over 100 years, Grote has provided state of the art safety solutions for OEM and Aftermarket customers worldwide.

Grote products include LED and incandescent lamps, mirrors, obstacle detection systems and reflective accessories. Grote is headquartered in Madison, IN with other manufacturing plants in Toronto and Waterloo Canada, as well as in Monterrey, Mexico.

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