For Immediate Release

For more information, contact:

James J. Burke

Standard Motor Products, Inc.

(718) 392-0200

Jennifer Tio

Maximum Marketing Services, Inc.

(312) 226-4111 x2449

Jennifer.tio@maxmarketing.com

Standard Motor Products, Inc. Announces

Third Quarter 2009 Results

New York, NY, October 27, 2009......Standard Motor Products, Inc. (NYSE: SMP), an automotive replacement parts manufacturer and distributor, reports today its consolidated financial results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Consolidated net sales for the third quarter of 2009 were $205.6 million, compared to consolidated net sales of $202.9 million during the comparable quarter in 2008. Earnings from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2009 were $4.7 million or 25 cents per diluted share, compared to earnings of $397 thousand or 2 cents per diluted share in the third quarter of 2008. Excluding non-operational gains and losses identified on the attached reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP measures, earnings from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2009 were $6.6 million or 35 cents per diluted share, compared to earnings in the comparable quarter in 2008 of $499 thousand or 3 cents per diluted share. (Though the 2008 figure would have been 13 cents per share with a normalized 40% tax rate).

37-18 Northern Blvd., Long Island City, NY 11101

(718) 392-0200

Consolidated net sales for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009 were $575.3 million, compared to consolidated net sales of $626.4 million during the comparable period in 2008. Earnings from continuing operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009 were $11.1 million or 59 cents per diluted share, compared to $13 million or 70 cents per diluted share in the comparable period of 2008. Excluding non-operational gains and losses identified on the attached reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP measures, earnings from continuing operations for the nine months ended 2009 and 2008 were $13.1 million or 70 cents per diluted share and $3.5 million or 19 cents per diluted share, respectively.

Cash flow generated from operating activities increased by $28 million in the third quarter 2009 and $97 million over the first nine months of this year. Total debt has been reduced by $119 million to $111 million at September 30, 2009 compared to $230 million at September 2008.

Today the Company also announces that it is engaged in exploratory discussions with the managers of its European business regarding their interest in acquiring the business via a management buy-out. Proposed terms of a transaction would include the sale of the European distribution business for £1.8 million ($2.9 million) in cash and a promissory note and approximately £1.8 million ($2.9 million) in assumed debt. In connection with the proposed sale, the Company would retain its manufacturing operation in Poland, certain land available for sale in the United Kingdom, and a small investment in a joint venture. If the transaction is consummated under the above terms, the estimated non-cash charges for the transaction would range from £4.0 million ($6.4 million) to £4.5 million ($7.2 million). (U.S. dollar equivalents are calculated at an assumed foreign currency exchange rate of GBP 1.60.)

Commenting on the results, Mr. Lawrence Sills, Standard Motor Products’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are quite pleased with our third quarter results. For the first time this year, sales were ahead of the comparable quarter of 2008, despite the continued headwinds of the loss of a major account at the end of 2008, the divestiture of Blue Streak Electronics, and the fall-off of OE sales. Contributing to the sales increase was new Temperature Control business from two major retailers, and pipeline orders for Engine Management for CSK, as stores and inventories were being upgraded as part of the O’Reilly acquisition. Sales for the nine months, however, remain behind 2008 for the reasons stated above.

“Gross margin percentage edged up slightly, for the quarter and the nine months, as our facilities in Mexico continue to grow and improve. We now have over 800 people in three plants in Reynosa, a significant increase over the last two years, with plans for increased growth in 2010.

“Our people continue to do an excellent job controlling Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) expenses. SG&A expenses were $4 million below 2008 for the quarter and $18 million below 2008 for the nine months. A key part of the saving was a reduction of over 100 salaried employees over the last 12 months, roughly 10% of the total.

“All this added up to a substantial increase in earnings per share, excluding non-operational gains and losses.

“At the same time we were able to make significant improvements in our balance sheet. In July we retired the balance of our convertible bonds. Our total debt has been reduced by over 50% in the last twelve months, from $230 million to $111 million. In all, we are extremely proud of our people for what they have been able to accomplish.

“Looking at the balance of the year, due to the seasonal nature of our Temperature Control business, we typically budget a small loss for the fourth quarter. We expect that this fourth quarter will follow historical patterns.

“Finally, as stated above, we are in exploratory discussions to sell our European distribution business to our local management team. We have concluded that this does not represent a core business for the Company. However, we intend to keep our manufacturing operation in Bialystok, Poland. With a low cost structure, and the availability of highly skilled people, we believe this operation will play a major role in our future.”

Standard Motor Products, Inc. will hold a conference call at 11:00 AM, Eastern Time, on Tuesday, October 27, 2009. The dial in number is 800-895-1241 (domestic) or 785-424-1056 (international). The playback number is 800-388-5895 (domestic) or 402-220-1110 (international). The conference ID # is STANDARD.

Under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Standard Motor Products cautions investors that any forward-looking statements made by the company, including those that may be made in this press release, are based on management’s expectations at the time they are made, but they are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, events or performance to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results, events or performance to differ materially from those risks and uncertainties discussed in this press release are those detailed from time-to-time in prior press releases and in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company’s annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. By making these forward-looking statements, Standard Motor Products undertakes no obligation or intention to update these statements after the date of this release.

###

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

	THREE MONTHS ENDED						NINE MONTHS ENDED
	SEPTEMBER 30,						SEPTEMBER 30,
	2009			2008			2009			2008
	(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
NET SALES	$	205,577		$	202,938		$	575,297		$	626,365

COST OF SALES		155,774			154,166			438,195			477,740

GROSS PROFIT		49,803			48,772			137,102			148,625

SELLING, GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES		36,775			41,114			109,607			127,503
RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION EXPENSES		3,304			1,905			5,677			6,117

OPERATING INCOME		9,724			5,753			21,818			15,005

OTHER INCOME, NET		783			1,293			4,310			21,665

INTEREST EXPENSE		2,423			3,289			7,225			11,005

EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES		8,084			3,757			18,903			25,665

INCOME TAX EXPENSE		3,360			3,360			7,754			12,693

EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS		4,724			397			11,149			12,972

LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATION, NET OF TAX		(1,639	)		(1,579	)		(2,221	)		(2,228	)

NET EARNINGS (LOSS)	$	3,085		$	(1,182	)	$	8,928		$	10,744

NET EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:

BASIC EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	$	0.25		$	0.02		$	0.59		$	0.70
DISCONTINUED OPERATION		(0.09	)		(0.08	)		(0.11	)		(0.12	)
NET EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE - BASIC	$	0.16		$	(0.06	)	$	0.48		$	0.58

DILUTED EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	$	0.25		$	0.02		$	0.59		$	0.70
DISCONTINUED OPERATION		(0.09	)		(0.08	)		(0.11	)		(0.12	)
NET EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE - DILUTED	$	0.16		$	(0.06	)	$	0.48		$	0.58

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES		18,895,299			18,558,330			18,769,791			18,479,817
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON AND DILUTIVE SHARES		19,088,673			18,617,724			18,790,155			18,512,475

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC.

Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

	THREE MONTHS ENDED									NINE MONTHS ENDED
	September 30,									September 30,
	2009			2008			2008			2009			2008
	(Unaudited)									(Unaudited)

EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

GAAP EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES	$	8,084		$	3,757		$	3,757		$	18,903		$	25,665

INCOME TAX EXPENSE		3,360			1,503	*		3,360			7,754			12,693

EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS		4,724			2,254			397			11,149			12,972

RESTRUCTURING EXPENSES (NET OF TAX)		2,042			1,204			1,204			3,871			3,734

GAIN FROM SALE OF PREFERRED STOCK INVESTMENT (NET OF TAX)		-			-			-			(1,402	)		-

LOSS FROM EXTINGUISHMENT OF MORTGAGE (NET OF TAX)		-			-			-			-			882

GAIN FROM SALE OF BUILDING (NET OF TAX)		(157	)		(160	)		(160	)		(472	)		(13,180	)

GAIN FROM DEBENTURE REPURCHASE (NET OF TAX)		-			(942	)		(942	)		(24	)		(942	)

NON-GAAP EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	$	6,609		$	2,356		$	499		$	13,122		$	3,466

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	$	0.25		$	0.12		$	0.02		$	0.59		$	0.70

RESTRUCTURING EXPENSES (NET OF TAX)		0.11			0.07			0.07			0.21			0.20

GAIN FROM SALE OF PREFERRED STOCK INVESTMENT (NET OF TAX)		-			-			-			(0.07	)		-

LOSS FROM EXTINGUISHMENT OF MORTGAGE (NET OF TAX)		-			-			-			-			0.05

GAIN FROM SALE OF BUILDING (NET OF TAX)		(0.01	)		(0.01	)		(0.01	)		(0.03	)		(0.71	)

GAIN FROM DEBENTURE REPURCHASE (NET OF TAX)		-			(0.05	)		(0.05	)		-			(0.05	)

NON-GAAP DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	$	0.35		$	0.13		$	0.03		$	0.70		$	0.19

* - @ 40% Statutory tax rate

MANAGEMENT BELIEVES THAT EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE SPECIAL ITEMS, WHICH ARE NON-GAAP MEASUREMENTS, ARE MEANINGFUL TO INVESTORS BECAUSE THEY PROVIDE A VIEW OF THE COMPANY WITH RESPECT TO ONGOING OPERATING RESULTS. SPECIAL ITEMS REPRESENT SIGNIFICANT CHARGES OR CREDITS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE COMPANY'S OVERALL OPERATING RESULTS IN THE PERIODS PRESENTED. SUCH NON-GAAP MEASUREMENTS ARE NOT RECOGNIZED IN ACCORDANCE WITH GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AND SHOULD NOT BE VIEWED AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO GAAP MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE.

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

	September 30,		December 31,
	2009		2008
	(Unaudited)

ASSETS

CASH	$	10,456	$	6,608

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, GROSS		180,443		184,422
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS		8,149		10,021
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET		172,294		174,401

INVENTORIES		199,653		232,435
ASSETS HELD FOR SALE		1,291		1,654
OTHER CURRENT ASSETS		26,869		32,497

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS		410,563		447,595

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET		63,869		66,901
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES		16,357		16,285
OTHER ASSETS		46,955		44,246

TOTAL ASSETS	$	537,744	$	575,027

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

NOTES PAYABLE	$	92,521	$	148,931
CURRENT PORTION OF LONG TERM DEBT		161		44,953
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE TRADE		77,367		68,312
ACCRUED CUSTOMER RETURNS		27,288		19,664
OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES		81,571		61,136

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES		278,908		342,996

LONG-TERM DEBT		18,179		273
ACCRUED ASBESTOS LIABILITY		24,860		23,758
OTHER LIABILITIES		42,652		44,455

TOTAL LIABILITIES		364,599		411,482

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY		173,145		163,545

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$	537,744	$	575,027

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC.

Segment Revenues and Operating Profit

(In thousands)

	THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,										NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
	2009					2008					2009					2008
	(unaudited)					(unaudited)					(unaudited)					(unaudited)
Revenues
Engine Management	$	135,793				$	135,502				$	380,550				$	417,346
Temperature Control		59,505					53,697					165,426					164,759
Europe		7,938					11,536					23,355					35,343
All Other		2,341					2,203					5,966					8,917
	$	205,577				$	202,938				$	575,297				$	626,365

Gross Margin
Engine Management	$	32,909		24.2	%	$	32,381		23.9	%	$	94,511		24.8	%	$	98,771		23.7	%
Temperature Control		13,056		21.9	%		10,602		19.7	%		30,765		18.6	%		30,498		18.5	%
Europe		1,663		20.9	%		2,700		23.4	%		5,361		23.0	%		8,943		25.3	%
All Other		2,175					3,089					6,465					10,413
	$	49,803		24.2	%	$	48,772		24.0	%	$	137,102		23.8	%	$	148,625		23.7	%

Selling, General & Administrative
Engine Management	$	22,448		16.5	%	$	23,784		17.6	%	$	66,316		17.4	%	$	73,281		17.6	%
Temperature Control		8,211		13.8	%		9,472		17.6	%		24,038		14.5	%		26,465		16.1	%
Europe		1,905		24.0	%		2,658		23.0	%		5,476		23.4	%		8,025		22.7	%
All Other		4,211					5,200					13,777					19,732
		36,775		17.9	%		41,114		20.3	%		109,607		19.1	%		127,503		20.4	%
Restructuring & Integration		3,304		1.6	%		1,905		0.8	%		5,677		0.9	%		6,117		0.9	%
	$	40,079		19.5	%	$	43,019		21.1	%	$	115,284		20.0	%	$	133,620		21.3	%

Operating Profit
Engine Management	$	10,460		7.7	%	$	8,597		6.3	%	$	28,195		7.4	%	$	25,490		6.1	%
Temperature Control		4,845		8.1	%		1,130		2.1	%		6,726		4.1	%		4,033		2.4	%
Europe		(241	)	-3.0	%		42		0.4	%		(115	)	-0.5	%		918		2.6	%
All Other		(2,036	)				(2,111	)				(7,311	)				(9,319	)
		13,028		6.3	%		7,658		3.8	%		27,495		4.8	%		21,122		3.4	%
Restructuring & Integration		3,304		1.6	%		1,905		1.0	%		5,677		1.0	%		6,117		1.0	%
	$	9,724		4.7	%	$	5,753		2.8	%	$	21,818		3.8	%	$	15,005		2.4	%