IRVINE, CA, April 17, 2002– Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc. (MDEA) has been named as a Sears Partner in Progress for 2001.

This prestigious award is presented annually to a select group of vendor companies that supply Sears, Roebuck and Co. with quality products and services, from apparel, appliances and tools to marketing, transportation services and technology. More than 10,000 sources competed for this award in 2001.

The April 9 event was hosted by Sears Chairman and CEO Alan J. Lacy at Sears headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Begun almost 20 years ago, the Partners In Progress program recognizes sources that make significant contributions to the growth of Sears businesses and the creation of new ways to better serve Sears customers. The winners were selected from nominations submitted by Sears’ employees who purchase goods and services for the company.

"Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America appreciates this very special honor," said Max Wasinger, senior vice president of sales and marketing. "We’re proud to be a member of a select group of manufactures doing business with Sears, a company noted for providing quality products and best-of-class service."

Sears, Roebuck and Co. is a leading U.S. retailer of apparel, home and automotive products and services, with annual revenue of more than $40 billion. The company serves families in the U.S. through Sears stores nationwide, including approximately 870 full-line stores. Sears also offers a wide variety of online offerings accessible through its website, www.sears.com.

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc. (MDEA) manufactures and markets a comprehensive line of premium quality high-definition projection televisions, plasma displays, satellite and broadcast receivers, DVD players, and digital and analog VCRs for consumer home theater use. Recognized as the world leader and innovator of big screen and digital television receiver technology, MDEA develops AV products that lead the industry in performance, ease-of-use and system integration.

For additional information about MDEA, visit http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com.

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For More Information:
Cayce Blanchard
Mitsubishi Electric News Bureau
714/229-3837
cayce.blanchard@meus.mea.com