SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): SEPTEMBER 17, 2003 TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE INC. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter) DELAWARE 1-12387 76-0515284 (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.) 500 NORTH FIELD DRIVE, LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS 60045 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (847) 482-5000 ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS AND REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE. On September 17, 2003, the Company issued a press release announcing that it had commenced an offer to exchange up to $350 million principal amount of 10.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2013, which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, for a like amount of its existing 10.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2013, which were issued on June 19, 2003 in a private placement. This press release, filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, is incorporated herein by this reference. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS. Exhibit No. Description 99.1 Press release dated September 17, 2003 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE INC. Date: September 17, 2003 By: /s/ KENNETH R. TRAMMELL ----------------------------------- KENNETH R. TRAMMELL Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Description Number 99.1 Press Release dated September 17, 2003