ST. PAUL, MN (November 1, 2004) - Power Systems Research has concluded its power generation survey for the third quarter of 2004. The third quarter has proven to be successful for generator sales due to strong market activity and the summer hurricanes. PowerTracker™ dealer and distributor respondents foresee increasing market factors in the next quarter due to winter weather effects and slower market activity. Reports are that third quarter sales were up 9.95% overall, but market changes are set to alter those numbers for the fourth quarter of this year.

Looking at the past two years in the power generation industry, there have been consistent metrics for investigation. The massive power outages experienced in the Eastern part of the United States and Canada in August of 2003 and the summer hurricanes in 2004 have sparked market activity. These events have created a motivating factor for private consumers to get more serious about buying or investigating the purchase of a generator set.

Third quarter sales for generator sets were reported up by 9.95%, which is a dramatic increase from 6.36% in the second quarter of 2004. Private consumer sales have gained ground with an increase of 10.61% compared to 3.98% in the second quarter. An increase in sales for standby generator sets has amounted to 11.83% and temporary generator sets are still on the move with a 4.84% increase this quarter compared to 3.44% last quarter. With the help of Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne, the private consumer market has seen increases. The awareness and knowledge of generator sets has been boosted due to the hurricane season.

PowerTracker™ monitors the market developments for all engine-powered generator sets sold in the United States and Canada. Gen set dealers, distributors, business consumers and household consumers are surveyed quarterly to determine their short-term expectations for the market. PowerTracker™ analyzes market activity and industry developments for various gen set applications, brands and customer groups. The core data for this gen set study originates from a series of 1400 interviews conducted on a quarterly basis with potential and actual users of gen sets as well as key dealership and distributor personnel. Further information about this survey and other MarketTracker™ surveys is available at http://www.powersys.com/sur_track.html.

Power Systems Research is a global market research and consulting company specializing in the engine, original equipment, and components industries. Since the company was founded in 1976, Power Systems Research has been the authoritative source of market information and business intelligence to the power products and drivetrain industry. Power Systems Research is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota and provides market data and customized project work to the world's leading vehicle and equipment OEMs and component suppliers. The company has a global presence with operations in Detroit, Brussels and Tokyo. Further information is available at http://www.powersys.com.