BRUSSELS, Belgium: 30 October, 2007---- The Expert Suspension system developed by Monroe® in conjunction with Actia Muller has been recognized with Equip Auto's Grand Prix Silver award in the garage category. The Expert Suspension Tester allows professionals to rapidly assess the condition of a shock absorber to help provide greater safety on the roads.

A panel of 82 automotive journalists representing 28 countries chose Actia/Monroe® as the silver award winner from among 24 semi-finalists.  The award (gold or silver) is given at the Equip Auto Paris Show to the most innovative concepts, products or services in four categories: engineering and advanced technology, spare parts and aftermarket, garage equipment and services. 

In order to detect shock absorber defects and enable professionals to develop security-based guidelines, Actia Muller and Monroe® created a tester that can provide in a few minutes an indication of the state of wear of the 4 shock absorbers. During tests that we carried out in April, May and June 2006 on 4,000 vehicles, 40% of them had a shock absorber defect.

A shock absorber defect cannot easily be detected by a motorist. They wear out gradually and the driver grows accustomed to this wear.  Shock absorber manufacturers advise regular checks every 20,000 km.  The risks related to worn shock absorbers are well-known: inadequate road handling qualities, extended braking distance, increased risk of aquaplaning and risk of loss of control of the vehicle on bends.

The Expert Shock Absorber Tester therefore represents real added value for a workshop:

• An additional service for the motorist's security
• A tool which will in addition allow professionals to increase sales of shock absorbers (+ 25% on average)

Two television reports featured the award in special broadcasts in France's M6 on TURBO and Tele Matin on France 2.

For more information: Simonetta Esposito, PR Manager Europe,

Tel: (00) (322) 706 9000, email: sesposito@tenneco.com