DATE: February 1, 2005

CONTACT: communications@mail.cox.smu.edu

Carlos Sepulveda

President & Chief Executive Officer

Interstate Battery System of America, Inc.

WHO: Carlos Sepulveda, president and CEO of Interstate Battery System of America, Inc. will speak at the Bank of Texas Business Leaders Spotlight Series at SMU’s Cox School of Business.

Before becoming President and CEO of the $650 million privately held company in May 2004, Mr. Sepulveda was Interstate Batteries’ Executive Vice President from 1993 to 2003, overseeing the Marketing, All Battery Division, eCommerce, National Accounts Sales, Information Technology, Accounting, Financial Services, Company-owned Distributorships, select Independent Distributorships and Legal functional areas of the company during that time. Prior to that, he served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 1991 to 1993 after joining the company in 1990.

He brought to Interstate Batteries more than ten years of experience gained in various roles with KPMG Peat Marwick Accounting Firm in Austin, New York City and San Francisco, where he had been an audit partner and associate SEC reviewing partner.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 22

Reception: 5:00 p.m.

Ernst & Young Gallery - Fincher Building

6212 Bishop Blvd.

Southern Methodist University

WHAT: The Bank of Texas Business Leaders Spotlight Series brings business leaders from major corporations to the community to share their personal and corporate strategies for success. Each event is p receded with a reception offering guests opportunities for networking with the speaker, other members of the audience, and Cox faculty and staff.

HOW: This event is free and open to the public. For more information about the Business Leaders Spotlight Series, visit http://caruth.cox.smu.edu/bls or to RSVP, contact Ann Faison at 214-768-3030 or email afaison@mail.cox.smu.edu.