Gastonia, NC — August 4, 2009 WIX Filters, a member of the Affinia Group family of brands, awarded more than $48,000 to local FFA chapters throughout the United States through their popular WIX Filters/FFA box top program in 2009.

Between January and April 2009, students in participating FFA chapters turned in WIX Filters box tops for a 25-cent donation from WIX. Participating FFA chapters redeemed 168,455 box tops, 24,977 more than in 2008. FFA chapters across the country were rewarded with a total donation from WIX Filters of $48,113.75, including six $1,000 bonuses.

“The WIX Filters/FFA box top program has supported students and local FFA chapters for almost a quarter of a century,” said Jeff Blocher, brand manager of WIX Filters, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2009. “The WIX Filters/FFA box top program is made possible by the great support provided by parts stores, local agribusinesses, shops, and individuals who purchase WIX Filters in support of their local FFA organizations.”

As part of the program’s incentives, FFA chapters across the United States compete for six $1,000 bonuses in different categories, including most box tops redeemed, most box tops redeemed per member and highest percentage increase over the previous year’s effort.

The Spud Growers FFA, in Coudersport, Pa., earned a $1,000 bonus for submitting the most box tops (6,348) of any FFA chapter in 2009. Four FFA chapters received $1,000 bonuses for submitting the most box tops per member: Shelby FFA in Shelby, Mont. (591.5 per member); Plainville FFA in Plainville, Kan. (131.7 per member); Tuscola FFA in Tuscola, Ill. (109.5 per member); and Pendleton FFA in Pendleton, Ore. (98.8 per member). Russell FFA in Russell, Kan. (270 percent increase) delivered the largest percentage increase of box tops submitted and earned a $1,000 bonus as well.

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 507,763 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,439 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit http://www.ffa.org/ for more information.

Since 1939, Wix® Filters has been an innovator in filtration products. WIX designs, manufactures and distributes products for automotive, diesel, agricultural, industrial and specialty filter markets. Its product line includes oil, air, cabin interior, fuel, coolant, transmission and hydraulic filters for automobiles, trucks and off-road equipment. WIX, a member of the Affinia family of brands, is the number one filter in NASCAR and an exclusive NASCAR Performance Product. Its NASCAR relationship also includes the WIX Filters Lap Leader Award, which recognizes the drivers leading the most laps in each race. For more information, visit http://www.wixfilters.com/.

Affinia Group Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of industrial grade products and services, including extensive offerings of aftermarket parts for automotive and heavy-duty vehicles. With more than $2 billion in annual revenue, Affinia has operations in North and South America, Europe, Asia and India. For more information, visit http://www.affiniagroup.com/.