Exhibit 99.1

Tenneco Reports First Quarter Financial Results

• Record-high first quarter net income of $47 million, or 75-cents per diluted share
• EBIT up 59% to $94 million
• Total revenue increases 34% to $1.760 billion; OE revenue up 38%, AM revenue up 15%

LAKE FOREST, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 3, 2011--Tenneco Inc. (NYSE:TEN) reported higher first quarter net income of $47 million, or 75-cents per diluted share, versus net income of $7 million, or 11-cents per diluted share in first quarter 2010. Adjusted for the items below, net income was $39 million, or 63-cents per diluted share, up from $15 million, or 25-cents per diluted share a year ago. The tables in this press release reconcile GAAP results to non-GAAP results.

EBIT (earnings before interest, taxes and noncontrolling interests) increased to $94 million from $59 million in first quarter 2010. Adjusted EBIT was $95 million, up 48% versus $64 million the prior year. The EBIT increase was driven by higher OE volumes and aftermarket sales, and stronger margins on new light and commercial vehicle launches.

EBITDA including noncontrolling interests (EBIT before depreciation and amortization) was $145 million, compared with $114 million a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA including noncontrolling interests rose to $146 million, up 24% versus $118 million in first quarter 2010.

“We are off to a strong start in 2011 with our highest-ever quarterly revenue and strong first quarter earnings. These results demonstrate the progress we’re making in executing on our growth opportunities and driving operational excellence,” said Gregg Sherrill, chairman and CEO, Tenneco.

Adjusted first quarter 2011 and 2010 results:

First quarter 2011 adjustments:

• Restructuring and related expenses of $1 million pre-tax, or 1-cent per diluted share;
• Costs of $1 million pre-tax, or 1-cent per diluted share, related to retiring the company’s remaining 8 5/8 percent notes from the December 2010 refinancing transaction, which replaced them with 6 7/8 percent notes;
• Net tax benefits of $10 million, or 14-cents per diluted share, primarily related to U.S. taxable income with no associated tax expense due to the company’s net operating loss position and income generated in lower tax rate jurisdictions, partially offset by the impact of recording a valuation allowance against the tax benefit for losses in certain foreign jurisdictions.

First quarter 2010 adjustments:

• Restructuring and related expenses of $5 million pre-tax, or 6-cents per diluted share;
• Non-cash tax charges of $5 million, or 8-cents per diluted share, primarily related to the impact of not benefiting tax losses in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions.

REVENUE

Tenneco reported a 34% increase in revenue to $1.760 billion from $1.316 billion a year ago. The increase was driven by higher OE production volumes and aftermarket sales, and incremental revenue from new light and commercial vehicle launches. Commercial and specialty vehicle OE revenue increased 54% year-over-year to 10% of global OE revenue as a result of stronger volumes and launching new diesel aftertreatment business. Aftermarket revenue, with typically higher margins, was 17% of total revenue, versus 20% a year ago. Excluding substrate sales and $42 million in currency, revenue was $1.299 billion, up 23% from $1.055 billion in first quarter 2010.

EBIT MARGIN, GROSS MARGIN AND SGA&E

EBIT margin in the quarter improved to 5.3% from 4.5% in first quarter of last year. Adjusted for the items above, EBIT margin was 5.4%, up from 4.9% a year ago. The improvement was due to capitalizing on stronger OE and aftermarket volumes, new light and commercial vehicle launches and leveraging SGA&E (selling, general, administrative and engineering) spending. These factors more than offset the negative impact of a mix shift between OE and aftermarket generated revenue and a 62% rise in substrate sales.

Adjusted EBIT margins in the North America and Europe, South America and India reporting segments showed strong year-over-year improvement on higher volumes. North America adjusted EBIT margin was up 0.7 percentage points and the adjusted EBIT margin for Europe, South America and India was up 1.1 percentage points. Asia Pacific adjusted EBIT margin declined 2.6 percentage points. Higher production volumes and Tenneco’s strong operating performance in China were more than offset by significant industry production declines in Australia, costs associated with the start-up of new operations in China and Thailand, and higher engineering investments to support rapid growth in this region.

Gross margin percent in the quarter was 16.7%, 1.8 percentage points lower than 18.5% a year ago. The benefit of higher production volumes globally was mostly offset by the OE and aftermarket mix shift and higher year-over-year substrate sales. The company completely offset material cost increases in the quarter through material cost reduction actions and recoveries. However, material recoveries negatively impacted the gross margin percent. Together, the mix shift, substrate sales and material recoveries totaled a negative impact of 1.7 percentage points on gross margin percent.

Tenneco successfully leveraged higher revenues in the quarter with an improvement in SGA&E expense as a percent of sales to 8.2% versus 9.7% a year ago. SGA&E spending in the quarter was $144 million, versus $127 million a year ago, driven by investments in new facilities in China and Thailand, and higher engineering spending to support customer programs, technology applications and growth in emerging markets.

CASH

Tenneco’s cash performance is seasonal with a greater use of cash in the first quarter as the company prepares for OE platform launches and the aftermarket selling season. In the first quarter, Tenneco used $103 million in cash for operations, versus using $57 million a year ago, driven by a $75 million greater demand on working capital to support higher revenues.

Capital expenditures in the quarter were $41 million, compared with $27 million a year ago. The year-over-year increase includes investments to support customer launch programs and expansion in fast-growing markets.

DEBT

Tenneco’s net debt was $1.132 billion at March 31, 2011, down from $1.146 billion a year ago. The leverage ratio (net debt to adjusted EBITDA including noncontrolling interests) was 2.1x, also down from a year ago at 2.8x.

OUTLOOK

Industry production in the second quarter will see some impact from the crisis in Japan. Prior to these events, IHS Automotive forecasted a 9% increase in light vehicle production in the regions where Tenneco operates. However, the current forecast, while still up in most regions, has been adjusted to an overall 3% increase in light vehicle production to account for temporary customer disruptions. This includes an 11% year-over-year increase in North America, 6% in China, 16% in India and 7% in South America. The Japan impact has now lowered Europe production estimates to a 6% year-over-year decrease in the second quarter but still up for the year. In addition, weaker industry conditions – separate from the Japan crisis – are continuing in Australia with a forecasted 3% decline.

Despite the temporary disruptions to customer production, volumes are expected to recover by the end of the year. According to IHS Automotive, full-year production in the regions where Tenneco operates is still predicted to increase 7% versus last year, unchanged from previous forecasts.

On the commercial vehicle side of Tenneco’s business, the company is launching diesel aftertreatment programs with 13 commercial vehicle and engine manufacturers globally through 2012. These programs are launching in North America, Europe, China and South America. Today, Tenneco is adding Daimler and MAN, both in South America, to its list of nine previously announced commercial vehicle customers.

Tenneco also recently announced new aftermarket business in North America with seven customers, expected to generate more than $15 million in annual revenue. In the second quarter, the company anticipates incurring $12 million in changeover costs, primarily in the form of customer credits, related to this new business.

“There are uncertainties regarding OE production in the second quarter due to the Japan crisis. However, we expect the impact on our revenue will be partially offset in the quarter by overall stronger volumes globally and the lost production will fully recover by the end of the year,” said Sherrill. “We are on track with our growth strategies including investments and initiatives to expand in emerging markets and launch significant new emission control programs with our commercial vehicle customers. I am pleased with the execution on our commercial vehicle programs, involving new technologies and manufacturing processes.”

FIRST QUARTER REPORTING SEGMENT RESULTS

NORTH AMERICA

• The increase in OE revenue was driven by higher volumes on vehicles such as the Ford Super-Duty, GM crossovers and the Toyota Tundra. The increase significantly outpaced a rise in industry light vehicle production of 13%.* Incremental commercial vehicle business also contributed to the revenue increase.
• Aftermarket revenue increased on higher ride control and emission control sales volumes.
• North America EBIT increased to $62 million from $36 million a year ago. The 72% rise was on stronger production volumes and aftermarket sales. EBIT also benefited from new light and commercial vehicle launches in the quarter.
• Adjusted EBIT was up 55% to $62 million, versus $40 million in first quarter 2010.
  • First quarter 2010 EBIT includes $4 million in restructuring and related expenses.

EUROPE, SOUTH AMERICA AND INDIA

• The Europe OE revenue increase outperformed a 10% increase in industry light vehicle production,* driven by higher volumes on vehicles such as the Daimler Sprinter, BMW 1 and 3 Series and the VW Golf.
• Europe aftermarket revenue increased on higher sales volumes in both product lines.
• South America and India revenue increased due to stronger OE and aftermarket volumes in both regions.
• EBIT for Europe, South America and India doubled to $24 million from $12 million a year ago, driven by higher volumes and manufacturing efficiencies.
• Adjusted EBIT was $25 million, up 92% from $13 million in first quarter 2010. First quarter 2011 and 2010 include $1 million in restructuring and related expenses.

ASIA PACIFIC

• Strong production volumes on GM, VW and Nissan platforms in China drove the revenue increase in Asia.
• Australia revenue decreased due to a 15% decline in industry light vehicle production.*
• Asia Pacific EBIT was $8 million, versus $11 million a year ago.
  • China EBIT improved year-over-year on strong volumes and operational performance, which more than made up for higher expenses related to opening and ramping up operations at three new plants and higher engineering costs to support growth initiatives including new commercial vehicle platforms.
  • The strong performance in China was more than offset by significant production volume declines in Australia and higher expenses in Thailand associated with a new facility and engineering to support new business growth.
  • Asia Pacific EBIT includes $1 million in negative currency.

*IHS Automotive production estimates April 2011

Attachment 1
Statements of Income – 3 Months
Balance Sheets
Statements of Cash Flows – 3 Months
Attachment 2
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to EBITDA including noncontrolling interests – 3 Months
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Earnings Measures – 3 Months
Reconciliation of GAAP Revenue to Non-GAAP Revenue Measures – 3 Months
Reconciliation of GAAP Revenue to Non-GAAP Revenue Measures – 3 Months
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures – Debt Net of Cash/Adjusted EBITDA including noncontrolling interests
Reconciliation of GAAP Revenue to Non-GAAP Revenue Measures – Original Equipment and Aftermarket Revenue – 3 Months

CONFERENCE CALL

The company will host a conference call on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. ET. The dial-in number is 888-989-4405 (domestic) or 517-308-9288 (international). The passcode is TENNECO. The call and accompanying slides will be available on the financial section of the Tenneco web site at www.tenneco.com. A recording of the call will be available one hour following completion of the call on May 3, 2011 through June 3, 2011. To access this recording, dial 800-297-0781 (domestic) or 203-369-3239 (international). The purpose of the call is to discuss the company’s operations for the quarter, as well as other matters that may impact the company’s outlook. A copy of the press release is available on the financial and news sections of the Tenneco web site.

2011 ANNUAL MEETING

The Tenneco Board of Directors has scheduled the corporation’s annual meeting of shareholders for Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. CT. The meeting will be held at the corporate headquarters, 500 North Field Drive, Lake Forest, Illinois.

Tenneco is a $5.9 billion global manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois and approximately 22,000 employees worldwide. Tenneco is one of the world’s largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of emission control and ride control products and systems for the automotive original equipment market and the aftermarket. Tenneco markets its products principally under the Monroe®, Walker®, Gillet™ and Clevite®Elastomer brand names.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words such as “may,” “expects,” “anticipate,” ”projects,” “will,” and “outlook” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the company (including its subsidiaries). Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, the company's plans, actions and actual results could differ materially. Among the factors that could cause these plans, actions and results to differ materially from current expectations are:

(i) general economic, business and market conditions;

(ii) the company’s ability to source and procure needed materials, components and other products and services in accordance with customer demand and at competitive prices, including any impact on the company’s ability to source and procure such items and services due to supply disruptions caused by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan;

(iii) changes in capital availability or costs, including increases in the company's costs of borrowing (i.e., interest rate increases), the amount of the company's debt, the ability of the company to access capital markets at favorable rates, and the credit ratings of the company’s debt;

(iv) changes in consumer demand, prices and our ability to have our products included on top selling vehicles, including any shifts in consumer preferences to other lower margin vehicles, for which we may or may not have supply contracts;

(v) changes in automotive manufacturers' production rates and their actual and forecasted requirements for the company's products such as the significant production cuts during recent years by automotive manufacturers in response to difficult economic conditions;

(vi) the overall highly competitive nature of the automobile and commercial vehicle parts industry, and any resultant inability to realize the sales represented by the company’s awarded book of business which is based on anticipated pricing for the applicable program over its life;

(vii) the loss of any of our large original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) customers (on whom we depend for a substantial portion of our revenues), or the loss of market shares by these customers if we are unable to achieve increased sales to other OEMs;

(viii) workforce factors such as strikes or labor interruptions;

(ix) increases in the costs of raw materials, including the company’s ability to successfully reduce the impact of any such cost increases through materials substitutions, cost reduction initiatives, customer recovery and other methods;

(x) the negative impact of higher fuel prices on transportation and logistics costs, raw material costs and discretionary purchases of vehicles or aftermarket products;

(xi) the cyclical nature of the global vehicular industry, including the performance of the global aftermarket sector and longer product lives of automobile parts;

(xii) the company's continued success in cost reduction and cash management programs and its ability to execute restructuring and other cost reduction plans and to realize anticipated benefits from these plans;

(xiii) product warranty costs;

(xiv) the cost and outcome of existing and any future legal proceedings, and the impact of changes in and compliance with laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations and the adoption of the current mandated timelines for worldwide emissions regulations;

(xv) economic, exchange rate and political conditions in the countries where we operate or sell our products;

(xvi) the company's ability to develop and profitably commercialize new products and technologies, and the acceptance of such new products and technologies by the company's customers and the market;

(xvii) changes by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other accounting regulatory bodies to authoritative generally accepted accounting principles or policies;

(xviii) changes in accounting estimates and assumptions, including changes based on additional information;

(xix) governmental actions, including the ability to receive regulatory approvals and the timing of such approvals, as well as the impact of changes to and compliance with laws and regulations pertaining to environmental concerns, pensions or other regulated activities;

(xx) acts of war and/or terrorism as well as actions taken or to be taken by the United States or other governments as a result of further acts or threats of terrorism, and the impact of these acts on economic, financial and social conditions in the countries where the company operates; and

(xxi) the timing and occurrence (or non-occurrence) of transactions and events which may be subject to circumstances beyond the control of the company and its subsidiaries.

The company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release. Additional information regarding these risk factors and uncertainties is detailed from time to time in the company's SEC filings, including but not limited to its report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

CONTACT:
Tenneco Inc.
Investor relations
Linae Golla, 847 482-5162
lgolla@tenneco.com
Media relations
Jane Ostrander
847 482-5607
jostrander@tenneco.com