ATLANTA, June 5 /PRNewswire/ -- GNB Technologies, leading manufacturer of
lead-acid batteries for automobiles, has signed an agreement to supply
batteries to Mercedes-Benz for its M-Class All-Activity Vehicles.  The
batteries are supplied as original equipment to Mercedes-Benz' assembly
facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
    Sales of the new Mercedes four-wheel drive, manufactured for the world
market, have exceeded original projections. Mercedes-Benz, a known leader in
automotive technology and quality products, recently expanded production of
the vehicles by more than 20%. GNB produces the specially-designed, high
performance M-class battery for Mercedes-Benz at its Dunmore, Pennsylvania
operation.
    "GNB has been supplying genuine replacement batteries to Mercedes-Benz
North America since 1993. Our relationship strengthens as Mercedes-Benz,
expands its product line and production facilities here in North America,"
said Tom Minner, President and CEO of GNB Technologies.
    The sport utility vehicle market has become the fastest growing automobile
market segment during the past five years.  Sales of full-sized sport utility
vehicles are up by 150 percent and compact sport utility vehicles are up by
94 percent.
    The Tuscaloosa facility is Mercedes-Benz' first passenger vehicle assembly
facility in North America. The M-Class All-Activity Vehicles arrived in dealer
showrooms this past fall.
    GNB Technologies is headquartered in Atlanta. The Dunmore facility, with
more than 260 employees, manufactures automotive, heavy duty and light truck
batteries.

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