VEHICLE CARE

Vehicle Care showed good sales growth and improved its margins during 2003. The division's performance was buoyed by robust sales of new offerings, including a product line specially tailored for the growing self-service car wash sector.

HIGHLIGHTS

> Exceeded growth targets for its Westley's Self Serve line for self-service car wash operations. Westley's pre-soaks, detergents and conditioners provide not only superior cleaning results, but also a higher level of foam, color and fragrance.

> Made substantial gains in the in-bay automatic sector by forging new and strengthened alliances with wash equipment manufacturers.

> Expanded sales-and-service efforts in the division's core sector, full-service conveyor car washes. Established a dedicated sales team focused solely on new account gains with the growing number of large chain operators in this arena.

> Posted record sales for its Solid Ovation and Harmony product lines. Solid Ovation delivers concentrated power in a lightweight, convenient package, while Harmony features 11 products for conveyor washes designed to work together for maximum effectiveness.

OUTLOOK

Vehicle Care foresees continued good sales and profit growth in 2004, supported by an aggressive sales focus in each of its three major sectors: full-service conveyor, in-bay automatic and self-service. New product sales are expected to remain a key driver of the division's growth, as will a comprehensive new initiative to circle its customers with solutions from Ecolab's other businesses.