Snap-on and SUN Products Receive Awards for Innovation, Technological Advancements

KENOSHA, Wis., Sep 27, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Snap-on Incorporated, dedicated to creating forward-looking products that improve the productivity of professional tool and equipment users, is receiving international recognition for innovative Snap-on(R) and SUN(R) product successes.

Two Snap-on products, the MODIS(TM) system and the lighted test lead, are being recognized for providing technicians with productivity-enhancing benefits in the 2002 MOTOR Magazine's Top 20 Tools Awards. Additionally, the new PC-based SUN Diagnostics Platform, setting technological standards in vehicle diagnostics systems, received a third place Innovation award at Automechanika, a global conference for the automotive industry in Frankfurt, Germany.

The Snap-on MODIS (Modular Diagnostics Information System), developed by Snap-on Diagnostics, is a fast, powerful, hand-held diagnostic system that combines several capabilities into one unit, including: Snap-on's color graphing scan tool, a four-trace lab scope with ignition capabilities, and domestic and Asian vehicle communication and troubleshooter software. At the push of a button, technicians experience the advantages of information combined with instrumentation, receiving vehicle-specific, "real-world" solutions, tips and repair strategies.

"The MODIS system - a revolutionary new diagnostics product - is a great example of how Snap-on Diagnostics is continually merging innovation, valuable collaboration and customer knowledge to meet and exceed our customers' needs," said Mary Beth Siddons, vice president - marketing, Snap-on Diagnostics.

Snap-on, named for the third year in a row in MOTOR's Top 20 Tools list, was also recognized for another bright solution - a lighted test lead. The patent-pending test lead has a built-in LED, operated by an on/off switch, which illuminates the work area. It has a wide range of applications in the industrial and automotive fields when used in conjunction with a digital multimeter. For automotive technicians, it is particularly useful when probing electrical circuits in tight spaces below the dash or under the hood; and industrial users can check heating systems or motors in dark environments.

The criteria to be considered for a Top 20 Tool Award are simple: the product had to be introduced between July 1, 2001 and June 30, 2002; must be a tool or piece of equipment for professional auto repair shops; and it had to be unique. Snap-on's innovations are recognized with the complete list of winners on MOTOR's Web site, http://www.motor.com/MAGAZINE/Articles/092002_07.html.

At Automechanika, the SUN Diagnostic Platform was recognized with a third-place Innovation award in the auto repair category. Providing unlimited expandability, the SUN Diagnostic Platform integrates ignition analysis, emissions analysis, vehicle communication capabilities, repair data and testing procedures in flexible software and hardware modules. Innovation awards were given for outstanding technological developments and product innovations.

Snap-on Diagnostics, part of the Snap-on Diagnostics and Information group, provides quality automotive diagnostic tools and information solutions that help technicians successfully diagnose and repair vehicles. Snap-on Diagnostics manages a worldwide diagnostics product line, and is committed to increasing the integration of diagnostics, information and repair to expand the capabilities and innovative resources for customers.

Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA) is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tool, diagnostic and equipment solutions for professional tool users. Product lines include hand and power tools, diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage, diagnostics software and other solutions for vehicle-service, industrial, government and agricultural customers, and commercial applications, including construction and electrical. Products are sold through its franchised dealer van, company-direct sales and distributor channels, as well as over the Internet. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2+ billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and employs approximately 13,500 people worldwide.

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CONTACT:          Snap-on Incorporated
                  Richard Secor, 262/656-5561 (Media)
                  Bill Pfund, 262/656-6488 (Investors)
                  www.snapon.com

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