New York, NY, April 25, 2002…..Standard Motor Products, Inc. (NYSE: SMP) automotive replacement parts manufacturer and distributor, reported net sales for the first quarter of 2002, the three months ended March 31, 2002, of $126.1 million, as compared to net sales of $154 million during the comparable quarter of a year ago. The net loss for the first quarter of 2002 was $18.2 million or $1.54 per diluted share, as compared to net earnings of $619,000 or 5 cents per diluted share in the first quarter of 2001. Excluding $16 million for the cumulative effect of accounting changes related to the measurement of goodwill, the net loss was $2.2 million or 19 cents per diluted share.

The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, a new accounting requirement that changes the way companies account for goodwill and certain intangible assets. As a result of the change in accounting, the Company eliminated goodwill amortization and recorded a one-time, non-cash charge of $16 million, net of taxes, during the first quarter. In accordance with the new accounting standard, the remaining goodwill will no longer be amortized, but will be subject to an annual review for potential impairment. The first quarter 2001 included approximately $608,000, after tax, for goodwill amortization.

In addition, in the first quarter of 2002, the Company adopted new EITF guidelines for the treatment of certain marketing expenses, transferring them from SG&A to reductions from gross sales. The impact of this change does not affect net earnings. However, sales, gross margin and SG&A expenses have been restated for 2001 and 2002 comparison purposes.

Mr. Lawrence Sills, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "The first quarter represented a combination of disappointing sales and satisfactory results in gross margin, expenses, and cash flow."

"The sales shortfall was primarily in Temperature Control products. In the first quarter of 2001, there was a large opening order to a new retail account not repeated in 2002; there was a partial loss of business at another major retailer; and some shortfall in other pre-season orders as distributors continue to work off inventories carried forward from previous cool summers. However, our major accounts are showing increases in their own sales and the recent spike of hot weather has led to an ‘up-tick’ in our April orders."

"In Engine Management, sales were slightly below 2001 for the first quarter. However, in April we began shipping opening pipeline orders for two previously announced new accounts and net sales should be back on track."

"We are pleased with the improvement in gross margin. As a result of price increases and higher production levels, our gross margin (excluding the impact of reclassifications discussed above) improved by 1.3 percentage points over 2001. Gross margins should continue to improve as production levels are more closely aligned to shipping levels as compared to the significant inventory reduction program in 2001."

Mr. Sills further commented, "The inventory reduction effort of 2001 continues to bear fruit. Our inventory at the end of March was $34 million below March 2001, and our debt levels as of March 2002 were $43 million below the prior year figure. Cash flow remains a top priority."

Mr. Sills concluded, "Despite the slight operating loss in the first quarter, we head into our strong air conditioning months with gross margins improving, and expenses and inventory under control. We remain optimistic for the balance of the year."

The Board of Directors has approved payment of a quarterly dividend of nine cents per share on the common stock outstanding. The dividend will be paid on June 3, 2002 to stockholders of record on May 15, 2002.

Standard Motor Products, Inc. will hold a conference call at 10:00 AM, Eastern Standard Time, on Friday, April 26, 2002. The dial in number is 800-540-0559. The playback number is 800-839-4202 and the ID # is J405.

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results, events and performance could differ materially from those contemplated by these forward looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results, events and performance to differ materially are risks and uncertainties discussed in this release and those detailed from time-to-time in prior public statements and the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's annual report on Form 10-K and the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.