Frankfurt, Germany, September 5, 2000 - GenRad, Inc. (NYSE: GEN) today announced that its Diagnostic Solutions business unit headquartered in Manchester, England has partnered with Unipart, one of Europe's leading independent logistics, automotive parts and accessories companies, to offer their Car Care Centres a unique diagnostic capability. The exclusive product will be distributed throughout the Car Care Centres as the Unipart GTE 3200.

Unipart and GenRad are launching the advanced diagnostic tester GTE 3200 that provides advanced features and functions previously not available to aftermarket and independent workshops.

The workshop technician is being challenged with a diversity of technology that requires the use of advanced test and diagnostic equipment. This has led to the development of a new generation of diagnostic equipment for franchised dealers that is now being extended to the aftermarket.

The GTE 3200, which is at the forefront of this new equipment, has been designed with the user in mind. The equipment, which contains the advanced tools and features required by the most highly skilled specialist technician, has an integrated Guided Diagnostic capability which provides the user, whatever their levels of experience, with the necessary support and test capability needed to deal with the most complex vehicle systems. The GTE 3200 retains the more traditional test and diagnostic functions to enable the aftermarket workshops to continue to deal with the older vehicles.

Paul Forman, Managing Director of Unipart's European Aftermarket Division said, "We are striving constantly to improve the range and breadth of products and services we offer to the independent aftermarket. This partnership with GenRad will enable us to offer the independent aftermarket an advanced, yet simple-to-use diagnostics solution not previously available, helping them to extend the range of services they're able to offer to their customers and build on our position as market leader."

Peter Miles, Managing Director of GenRad's Diagnostic Solutions commented, "Earlier this year GenRad completed the acquisitions of Mastertech and Autodiagnos, as the basis of our strategy to support today's new complex electronic vehicles through the complete lifecycle. This new partnership with Unipart is enabled by these acquisitions. Unipart is an exciting company to work with and I look forward to a developing relationship as the service diagnostics industry adapts to support the computer network on wheels which is today's car."

Key benefits of the GTE 3200

Integrated into the GTE 3200 are many traditional and advanced features and functions, with the following representing some of the key benefits:

• Portability and Durability: Using a proven and specially designed ruggedized laptop sized case, the GTE 3200 can be used in the workshop or inside the vehicle.
  
• Full Complement of Test Tools: To cope with modern vehicle systems, the GTE 3200 contains sophisticated test tools such as advanced oscilloscope and multi-meter. Additionally, the GTE 3200 communicates with the on-board computers to extract fault codes and live data.
  
• Guided Diagnostics: For the less skilled or the specialist technician, the guided diagnostic facility takes the user through the test routines in the most logical and applicable route. The Guided Diagnostics represent more than just guidance, the user is directed through each applicable or subsequent test and is also presented with the relevant illustrations and data to ensure that the correct procedures are carried out.
  
  In addition, the equipment supports the decision-making process by indicating good or bad test results and then guiding the user through to the appropriate subsequent checks.
  
• Touch Screen: The touch screen allows for simple operation in the workshop environment. Although containing a high level of PC power, the user is not burdened with the traditional PC keyboard and mouse.
  
• Internet Connectivity: The GTE 3200 is already designed for connection to the internet. Although the GTE 3200 can be updated via the standard CD-ROM function, the user will be able to access the internet and upgrades or additional information will then be able to be delivered via this route.

About Unipart

Unipart's European Aftermarket Division comprises the businesses of Unipart International and Partco Group and is responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of automotive aftermarket products and services.

Unipart International is responsible for the world-wide marketing and sales of the Unipart range of car parts, now one of the largest aftermarket all-makes car parts ranges under a single brand in Europe. This range is complemented by a network of distributors called Express Factors, and 2,000 independent garages, namely Unipart Car Care Centres.

Partco Group is a distributor of automotive parts, equipment and consumables, bodyshop supplies and associated support services to the automotive aftermarkets of the UK, Europe, the USA and the Middle East.

EAD is a division of the Unipart Group of Companies, Europe's leading independent logistics, automotive parts and accessories business.

About GenRad

GenRad Inc. [NYSE: GEN] develops, manufactures and markets advanced performance-assurance technologies. GenRad's primary global markets for OEM and contract manufacturers include computers, advanced telecommunications for e-commerce and Internet services and diagnostic systems for the transportation/automotive industry.

GenRad is comprised of three business units bringing to market integrated hardware, software and service solutions that empower always-on services and uninterruptable business applications:

Process Solutions: focuses on in-circuit and x-ray test solutions as well as plant and line management solutions for electronic product manufacturers.

Functional Solutions: focuses on functional test platforms for manufacturers of telecommunications, computers and automotive electronics.

Diagnostic Solutions: focuses on service bay and manufacturing solutions for transportation OEMs and independent service providers.

Founded in 1915, GenRad employs 1,600 people and maintains worldwide headquarters in Westford, MA, USA. The company's Web address is http://www.genrad.com.