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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Economy Expected To Influence Shipments Of Outdoor Power Equipment In 2000 & 2001

Alexandria, VA, (June 2000) - The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) Economic Forecast for consumer type equipment and certain commercial turf products, revised in June 2000, shows a slight slowdown in 2000 and 2001. For the 2000 model year, industry shipments will generally be flat to negative -- consumer walk-behinds will lose 2.5% to 5,777,730 units, while riding units will reach 1,605, 656 units, a slight 0.4% decrease. A similar pattern is forecast for 2001, even though some product categories will begin picking up in the middle of the model year. Rising mortgage rates, declining housing starts and housing resales are a major reason for the expected slowdown in shipments. For commercial turf equipment, intermediate size walk-behinds are expected to grow in 2000 and then decline slightly in 2001. Commercial riding rotary turf mowers will continue to grow in 2000 and 2001.

The current forecast for model year 2000 is September 1,1999 - August 31,2000 and for model year 2001, September 1,2000 - August 31, 2001. OPEI's Economic Forecast for the outdoor power equipment industry is prepared by Association Research, Inc. The forecast is compiled and released on a quarterly basis.

OPEI is a trade association whose membership is primarily composed of U.S. manufacturers of powered lawn and garden maintenance products, components and attachment supplies, as well as industry-related services. OPEI's domestic members manufacture in excess of 95% of the U.S. consumer retail market for gas and electric powered lawn and garden maintenance products.

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