Freightliner Acquires Interest in TA

Freightliner Corporation has agreed to acquire an ownership interest in TravelCenters of America, a network of full-service highway travel centers in the U.S.

Through its partnership with TravelCenters of America, Freightliner will complement its existing network of 300 Freightliner dealers with an express parts and service network of 124 TA locations that are equipped for truck service in 39 states. Freightliner is the first truck manufacturer in North America to undertake a comprehensive partnership with a nationwide truck service center

rovider.

TA locations will be incorporated into Freightliner's 24-hour customer assistance center database and be a major referral point for emergency and roadside repairs. They will also have access to Freightliner parts distribution, service and technical information systems.

Freightliner's independent dealer network will remain the front-line of service for Freightliner trucks. TravelCenters of America will focus on express service and minor repair work, such as PMs, brake, electrical, heating and air conditioning, DOT inspections, and trailer maintenance and repair. A specific menu of warranty repairs will be included in TA's offerings to Freightliner customers.

TravelCenters of America, with a network of 146 travel centers nationwide,

mploys 10,000 people and is headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, a Cleveland

uburb.