Eaton Announces Renewed Commitment to Woodward Dream Cruise

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Aug. 16 Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation announced today its plans to renew its contract as the presenting sponsor of the Woodward Dream Cruise through 2005. Eaton has been the major sponsor of this event, billed as the largest one-day automotive event in the world, since 1999.

As the presenting sponsor of the event, Eaton has a special display planned for its guests at Pioneer Park located in the heart of the cruise route on Woodward Avenue, in Royal Oak, Michigan. Last year, Eaton hosted nearly 1,500 key customers, employees and media for a day filled with "cruisin'" fun.

Stephen M. Buente, senior vice president and group executive-Automotive, said "Eaton is proud to renew its commitment as the presenting sponsor for the Woodward Dream Cruise. Eaton has been a key supplier to the industry for almost 90 years and our continuing support of this event is something we're all passionate about at Eaton."

The 2001 cruise saw more than 1.4 million enthusiasts viewing over 45,000 classic vehicles along the 16-mile stretch of Woodward Avenue. The event is held each summer to celebrate a unique piece of the automotive industry's heritage.

Eaton products, including market-leading valvetrains, superchargers and traction-modifying differentials, enhance many of the vehicles to be seen on Woodward this year. The company's products have been a staple in the automotive market and will continue to drive innovation through air management, powertrain controls and safety and security systems for years to come.

Buente said Eaton has been focusing its automotive strategy and resources on fuel economy, safety and environmental impact. Other product examples include Variable Valve Actuation, advanced Gasoline vapor controls, common rail Diesel fuel controls, and patented ULV® Ultralite engine valves, a finalist for the 2001 Automotive News PACE® award for product innovation. For more information about Eaton automotive products, visit www.automotive.eaton.com .

The cruise runs along a 16-mile stretch of Woodward Avenue, the famous Detroit boulevard, where the first car in North America was driven in 1896, and where "cruisers" showcased their cars in the '50s and '60s. The event runs through the communities of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Huntington Woods, Berkley, Royal Oak, Birmingham and Pontiac.

Eaton Corporation is a global $7.3 billion diversified industrial manufacturer that is a leader in fluid power systems; electrical power quality, distribution and control; automotive engine air management and fuel economy; and intelligent truck systems for fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 48,000 employees and sells products in more than 50 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com .