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PENN STATE LAB TEST PROVES EQUAL'S EFFECTIVENESS AS A TIRE BALANCING ADDITIVE

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (March 7, 2002) - EQUAL® Tire Performance - a dry granular polymer formula that provides a continuously balanced, smooth ride for the life of the tread - has been tested to confirm its use as a particle damper, force reducer and mass balancer in the tire footprint.

This most recent round of testing, observed and authenticated by the Pennsylvania State University Center for Acoustics and Vibration, involved fixed axle dynamometer testing and window wheel experiments to capture EQUAL's performance within a tire.

"Seeing is believing and this new research offers definitive proof that confirms EQUAL's performance claims," said Bob Fogal Jr., president and CEO of International Marketing Inc. (IMI), which manufactures EQUAL. "It is especially significant that the results were authenticated by Penn State University, a leader in transportation research."

The fixed axle dynamometer testing found that "at each speed and axle load, the fundamental peak was significantly lower with the optimal use of EQUAL when compared to a dual-plane balance."

At various speeds, testing was conducted with only dual-plane balance masses on the wheel. The balance masses were then removed and EQUAL was inserted into the tire. It was found that "reduction in vibration averaged 29.2 percent improvement compared to a dual-plane balance assembly."

To provide a clear visual of how EQUAL moved within a tire, a series of experiments were also performed using a specially designed wheel featuring a Plexiglas window and a synchronized strobe light.

From the installed window wheel, it was observed that the EQUAL particles formed a linear pattern around the circumference of the tire. At higher loads and speeds

the same phenomenon occurred, as well as EQUAL forming distinct patterns. Neither the

line or series of EQUAL patterns were stationary inside the tire, but steadily progressed forward - opposite the footprint velocity - relative to the tire.

In another experiment using various increments of loads and speeds, the same steady linear pattern occurred, providing evidence that EQUAL particles move to a stabilizing position within the tire. This proved that EQUAL minimizes tire/wheel imbalance and also reacts to changing operating conditions.

This most recent round of testing demonstrates that EQUAL absorbs vibration at all points on the tire's circumference, applies a force downward on the tire as it moves through the footprint and reduces force variation levels at the tire/wheel assembly.

These observations visually verify the scientific mechanisms that consistently confirm that EQUAL is effective in reducing vibrations. Additionally, the data gathered from several years of testing and numerous real-world success stories, validates EQUAL's true performance capabilities.

Since its introduction in 1991, EQUAL has been installed in millions of truck, bus and aircraft tires. More than 3,000 commercial tire dealers, truck stops and alignment shops in North America offer EQUAL. Additionally, the product is sold internationally in Europe, Australia, South America and Asia.

Headquartered in Chambersburg , Pa. , IMI is a 30-year-old company that develops and markets tire and wheel maintenance products and equipment. For more information about EQUAL and other IMI products, visit www.imiproducts.com or call 1-800-233-7086.