CLEVELAND, OHIO…Eaton Corporation (NYSE:ETN) today announced that Stephen M. Buente, formerly vice president--Automotive Controls Operations/Worldwide, has been elected to the position of senior vice president and group executive for its Automotive Group, effective immediately. Buente will report to Alexander M. Cutler, Eaton chairman and chief executive officer, and succeeds Bruce E. Taylor, who will work on special projects for the company until the end of 2000.

"Steve's breadth and depth of experience in the automotive business will be a tremendous asset in this role," said Cutler. "He has an outstanding track record of success, particularly in the area of operational excellence. Steve has a strong results orientation, tremendous problem solving skills, and a demonstrated ability to build organization capacity. He will be an outstanding leader for Eaton's automotive business.

"Bruce has compiled an impressive set of accomplishments since joining Eaton in 1985. His leadership in strategy and marketing has contributed substantially to the broadening of our automotive business. We wish him the very best with his future plans."

Buente has been vice president-Automotive Controls Operations/Worldwide since 1999. Prior to that, he had 23 years of experience in Eaton's Engine Components business, including a five-year European assignment where he was general manager--Engine Components/Europe and, most recently, as vice president--Engine Components Operations/Worldwide. Buente has a BS in engineering from Valparaiso University and an MBA from Western Michigan University.

Eaton Corporation is a global manufacturer of highly engineered products that serve industrial, vehicle, construction, commercial, aerospace and semiconductor markets. Principal products include hydraulic products and fluid connectors, electrical power distribution and control equipment, truck drivetrain systems, engine components, ion implanters and a wide variety of controls. Headquartered in Cleveland, the company has 64,000 employees and 200 manufacturing sites in 24 countries. Eaton's sales for 1999 were $8.4 billion.