Pelosi, Reid, Dodd, Frank Renew Call on Bush to Use TARP to Aid Auto Industry in Light of Risks to Financial System

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd and House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank today sent a letter to President George W. Bush to again urge him to use the authority provided under the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA) of 2008 to provide limited, temporary assistance to the automobile industry during this financial crisis. The letter notes that the failure of the Big 3 would have a major direct and negative impact on the financial sector, not just on the economy as a whole. The Treasury Department has stated that funding from the EESA should only be used to protect the U.S. financial sector.

In the letter, they further state: “Your decision to utilize the TARP funds, or to work with the Federal Reserve to make available assistance through its existing lending programs, or both, are essential to the Congress’ ability to address this critical economic situation in a timely manner, and would also eliminate the uncertainties inherent in the legislative process.”

Below is the text of the letter:

December 4, 2008

The Honorable George W. Bush

The President of the United States

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

This week the U.S. domestic auto industry submitted their comprehensive plans for restructuring their companies and moving promptly to produce more fuel-efficient, advanced technology vehicles which are essential for their economic future and for the environmental needs of our world. Hearings are underway in the House and Senate Committees into those plans, but it is already clear that action should be taken by the federal government to facilitate the implementation of these restructuring efforts and prevent the severe impacts to our economy that would result from the bankruptcy of one or more of these companies.

We have previously urged that $25 billion of the funds provided in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA) can and should be used for emergency bridge loans for the domestic auto industry. The response from the Treasury to date has been that these funds should only be used to protect the U.S. financial sector. What is becoming clear, however, is that the failure of the Big 3 would indeed have a major direct and negative impact on the financial sector, not just on the economy as a whole.

We again urge you to use funds available to you through the EESA to provide emergency bridge loans to the auto industry. In testimony before the Senate Banking Committee today, Acting Comptroller General Gene Dodaro indicated not only that the Treasury has the authority under EESA to do so, but that the Federal Reserve also has the authority to provide assistance to the auto companies. We agree with the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) assessment and urge you to consider this option in conjunction with funds from EESA. It is essential to take this action not only in light of the new evidence about the impact of the failure of the auto industry on the financial sector, but also in light of the industry’s plans which have been submitted to the Congress this week. Those plans include the imposition of tough accountability through establishment of an Oversight Board to oversee the disbursal and uses of the loans, a feature that also was included in the Reid and Levin-Bond bills introduced in the Senate as well as the legislation proposed by Barney Frank in the House last month. In its testimony before the Senate Banking Committee today, the GAO endorsed this principle.

While an immediate loan must be a necessary of part of this effort, the Oversight Board should review on an ongoing basis the adequacy of progress in implementing the auto industry’s plans and make recommendations to the Treasury Department as it administers the loan. You have the power to appoint such a board at the same time that you direct the Secretary of the Treasury to use the EESA funds for these loans.

The Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) under EESA was created specifically to stabilize the financial system from threats such as the imminent failure of large sectors of the automobile and related industries. Recent research by a prominent financial firm concludes that the auto sector represents one of the largest sectors in leverage finance for banks because of their large number of high-yield bonds they have issued and that the companies’ failures would result in “credit crisis part II.” The Ford Motor Company has concluded that the “Detroit 3, plus their suppliers create a $1.1 trillion gross exposure to the U.S. financial system,” and that “increasing the financial sector’s negative exposure by up to $1 trillion and reducing the economic activity by up to $800 billion will greatly exacerbate the current negative economic and financial climate.”

Congress may consider legislation to provide assistance to the domestic automobile industry next week. Your decision to utilize the TARP funds, or to work with the Federal Reserve to make available assistance through its existing lending programs, or both, are essential to the Congress’ ability to address this critical economic situation in a timely manner, and would also eliminate the uncertainties inherent in the legislative process.

We are very hopeful that we can work cooperatively with the Administration and the Federal Reserve to provide urgent assistance and support our domestic auto industry, just as other nations are doing, during this extraordinarily difficult global economic collapse. We look forward to hearing from you on an expedited basis, since we will be notifying colleagues tomorrow of next week’s session.

Sincerely,

Rep. Nancy Pelosi Senator Harry Reid

Rep. Barney Frank Senator Christopher J. Dodd

Arizona Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge Dealers and Chrysler LLC Representatives Team Up with KaBOOM! to Build Child-Designed Playground at Phoenix’s New South Pointe Elementary School in One Day

PHOENIX, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ — Before the sun set today, the nearly 350
children who attend Phoenix’s South Pointe Elementary School, The Leona Group,
LLC, a new kind of public school, are getting a new, great place to play.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081204/CLTH057-a )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081204/CLTH057-b )

The new playground, which was fully assembled from scratch in less than
eight hours, was built with the help of more than 250 volunteers from the
Arizona Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge Dealers; The Chrysler Foundation; Chrysler
Financial; the South Pointe Elementary School; organizers from KaBOOM! and
residents of the local community. Throughout the day, volunteers hauled more
than 64,800 square feet of mulch by hand in tarps, mixed approximately 20,000
pounds of concrete by hand in wheelbarrows and assembled brightly colored
playground equipment to bring the new play area to life.

“The Arizona Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Dealers are proud to partner with
KaBOOM! and Chrysler to help promote their vision of having a safe and fun
play area within walking distance of every child,” said Don Luke, President of
Bill Luke Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and President of the Arizona Chrysler, Jeep,
Dodge Dealer Association. “Our dealers and their employees play an important
role in their local communities, providing sponsorships and hundreds of
volunteer hours for school athletic teams, literacy programs, advocacy for
at-risk youth and many other causes. Many of our Arizona dealers and their
employees will be helping to make the playground at South Pointe Elementary
become a reality.”

Planning for the playground began at a Design Day event held in October.
Local children and community leaders met with organizers from KaBOOM! and
Chrysler to design their “dream” playground. The children’s drawings were used
to create the final playground design.

“We are so excited about the opportunity to have this wonderful playground
on our campus for our children. Play time is an integral part of the day for
our elementary students,” said Tonya Bridges Brown, South Pointe Elementary
School Leader. “We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in
helping to make this dream become a reality, from the Leona Family to the
South Pointe Elementary family, from Chrysler and its dealers to the local
businesses and community members. We have all worked together to make this a
community project.”

The project is the 21st of 22 playgrounds scheduled to be built across the
country this year by KaBOOM!, The Chrysler Foundation, and Chrysler, Jeep and
Dodge dealers. The playground is also one of more than 215 builds KaBOOM! will
lead across the country this year in an effort to provide an enjoyable place
to play within walking distance of every child in America.

The Leona Group

Founded in 1996, The Leona Group is one of the largest charter school
organizations in Arizona with 16 high schools, three middle schools and four
elementary schools in the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas and a student
population of more than 6,500 students. The Leona Group is nationally
recognized for its commitment to a quality choice in public school education.
In addition to schools in Arizona, The Leona Group has over 80 schools in five
other states. The Leona Group is one of the largest education service
providers in the United States.

The Chrysler Foundation

The Chrysler Foundation is the primary source of charitable grants made by
Chrysler LLC. The Foundation annually supports hundreds of charitable
organizations with an emphasis on community growth and enrichment, arts and
culture, education, and youth development programs throughout the United
States and, increasingly, the world. The Foundation’s Good Neighbor, Good
Citizen(R) programs make a positive, lasting investment in local communities
where our employees, customers and neighbors live. Visit
www.thechryslerfoundation.com .

Chrysler Financial

Chrysler Financial offers automotive financial products and services to
both dealers and consumers of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles in the U.S.,
Canada, Mexico and Venezuela. In addition, it offers vehicle wholesale and
retail financing to more than 3,600 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers. Nearly
three million drivers in the United States enjoy the benefits of financing
with Chrysler Financial. Chrysler Financial has an employee base of 4,000 and
supports a global portfolio of $70 billion. For more information, visit
corp.chryslerfinancial.com .

KaBOOM!

KaBOOM! is a national non-profit organization that envisions a great place
to play within walking distance of every child in America. Since 1995, KaBOOM!
has used its innovative community-build model to bring together business and
community interests to construct more than 1,500 new playgrounds, skate parks,
sports fields and ice rinks across North America. KaBOOM! also offers a
variety of resources, including an online community, regional and national
trainings, grants, publications and the KaBOOM! National Campaign for Play,
which includes Playful City USA and the Playmaker Network — a national
network of individual advocates for play. Headquartered in Washington, D.C.,
KaBOOM! also has offices in Chicago and San Mateo, Calif. For more
information, visit www.kaboom.org .

Detroit’s Interfaith Leaders Convene on Economy, Auto Industry, Next Steps

DETROIT, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Eleven Christian, Jewish, and Muslim leaders gathered for a “Conversation on the Economy” on Thursday, December 4. At the invitation of Cardinal Adam Maida, archbishop of Detroit, the religious leaders met privately at Sacred Heart Major Seminary and then briefed assembled members of the news media. Among the topics covered were: grave concerns for those impacted by the uncertain economy, and the very real fear of what will happen if there is no government intervention or plan to help stabilize the auto industry.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081204/DC50176)

Responding to the discussion, Cardinal Maida said:

“I appreciated the spirit of solidarity and cooperation evidenced by the participants. As religious leaders, we are of one mind and one heart. Now, more than ever, words of hope and encouragement are needed for the people in southeast Michigan and beyond. The uncertainty in our economy has a severe impact on the poor and the marginalized, and places great stress on families and home owners, on laborers and on business people. Many are understandably distressed because of the critical circumstances facing the auto industry.

“Around the table, the religious leaders generously shared their hopes, plans, and concerns. Helpful, specific steps were described. The conversation came to be organized into three headings, which the participants addressed at the news briefing: prayer, politics, and programs.

“We agreed the conversation was necessary and look forward to continuing an exchange of mutual support and ideas.”

Cardinal Maida’s briefing remarks, along with a list of the participants and other materials are posted at AODonline.org. Audio and video Podcasts will soon be available. Digital images of the meeting and briefing can be downloaded at: www.LarryPeplin.com/AOD1. Beta SP and DVD dubs are available by contacting the Communications Department by phone at 313-237-5943 or by e-mail to proffice@aod.org.

J.D. Power and Associates Reports: BMW Financial Services, Ford Credit and Hyundai Financial Services Each Rank Highest in Consumer Financing Satisfaction in Their Respective Segments

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ — BMW Financial Services, Ford Credit and Hyundai Motor Finance Company each rank highest in their respective segments in satisfying customers with the new-vehicle financing process, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Consumer Financing Satisfaction StudySM released today.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050527/LAF028LOGO-a)

The study, now in its 13th year, measures customer satisfaction with the new-vehicle financing process and examines the intentions, priorities, influences and preferences of new-vehicle buyers and lessees. Four factors are examined to determine customer satisfaction with automotive finance providers: application approval process; customer contact; payment/billing process; and provider offering.

Luxury Loan Segment Rankings

BMW Financial Services ranks highest in the luxury loan segment with a score of 860 on a 1,000-point scale, performing particularly well in three factors driving satisfaction: application approval process; finance provider offering; and payment/billing process. GMAC (798) and Honda Financial Services (792) follow BMW Financial Services in the segment.

Luxury Lease Segment Rankings

For a second consecutive year, BMW Financial Services (786) ranks highest in the luxury lease segment, performing particularly well in payment/billing process. Ford Credit follows BMW Financial Services with 785, and Honda Financial Services ranks third with 781.

Non-Luxury Loan Segment Rankings

Performing well in finance provider offering, Hyundai Motor Finance Company ranks highest among non-luxury loan providers with 795. Ford Credit (786) and Mazda American Credit (780) follow in the segment.

Non-Luxury Lease Segment Rankings

Ford Credit ranks highest among non-luxury lease providers with 787, performing particularly well in the application approval process. Volkswagen Credit (780) and Honda Financial Services (772) follow Ford Credit in the rankings.

Other Study Findings

The study finds that involving customers in the finance provider selection process can lead to higher satisfaction with the lender, as well as to higher rates of intended loyalty and advocacy. Among customers who arrive at the dealership with a lender preference and use that lender to finance their new vehicle, overall satisfaction averages 837. In addition, 48 percent of these customers indicate that they “definitely will” use the lender again and 50 percent say they “definitely will” recommend the lender to others. In contrast, satisfaction averages 746 among customers who intend to have the dealer work out financing arrangements for them. Only 22 percent of these customers say they “definitely will” use the lender again and 23 percent say they “definitely will” recommend the lender.

“Because customers who are more involved with the finance provider selection process tend to be more satisfied, it’s essential for lenders to proactively communicate with existing customers and reach out to potential new customers,” said Rich Howse, senior director of the automotive finance practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “Satisfying customers contributes to increased levels of loyalty and advocacy–both of which can have a strong financial impact–and is particularly important amid the current uncertain economic environment.”

The study also finds that Internet use among new-vehicle buyers to research financing options has increased to 64 percent of luxury customers and 55 percent of non-luxury customers. More than 30 percent of luxury-vehicle owners report that Internet research has a considerable impact on their finance provider selection, while 26 percent of non-luxury-vehicle owners say the same.

The 2008 Consumer Financing Satisfaction Study is based on responses from 27,964 consumers who financed their new vehicle during the past five to seven months. The study was fielded between May and September 2008.

Finance Provider Satisfaction Index Ranking

Luxury Loan Segment

(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

                                       Index         JDPower.com Power
    Lender                             Score          Circle Ratings
    ------                            -------          For Consumers
                                                       -------------
    BMW Financial Services              860                  5

    GMAC                                798                  4
    Honda Financial Services            792                  4
    Mercedes-Benz Financial             791                  4

    Infiniti Financial Services         777                  3
    Luxury Loan Segment Average         776                  3
    Lexus Financial Services            774                  3

    Chase Auto Finance                  739                  2
    Bank of America                     726                  2

Included in the study but not ranked due to small sample size are: Audi Financial Services, Ford Credit and US Bank.

Luxury Lease Segment

(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

                                       Index         JDPower.com Power
    Lender                             Score          Circle Ratings
    ------                            -------          For Consumers
                                                       -------------
    BMW Financial Services              786                  5
    Ford Credit                         785                  5
    Honda Financial Services            781                  5

    Lexus Financial Services            778                  4

    Luxury Lease Segment Average        767                  3
    Mercedes-Benz Financial             765                  3
    Audi Financial Services             764                  3
    GMAC                                762                  3

    Infiniti Financial Services         740                  2
    Volvo Car Finance                   734                  2

Included in the study but not ranked due to small sample size are: Land Rover Capital Group, Porsche Financial Services and US Bank.

Non-Luxury Loan Segment

(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

                                       Index         JDPower.com Power
    Lender                             Score          Circle Ratings
    ------                            -------          For Consumers
                                                       -------------
    Hyundai Motor Finance
     Company                            795                  5
    Ford Credit                         786                  5

    Mazda American Credit               780                  4
    GMAC                                769                  4
    Honda Financial Services            769                  4
    Volkswagen Credit                   765                  4
    Chrysler Financial                  761                  4
    Toyota Financial Services           755                  4

    Nissan Motor Acceptance             749                  3
    Non-Luxury Loan Segment
     Average                            739                  3
    Mitsubishi Motors Credit            727                  3
    Subaru Motors Finance               725                  3
    US Bank                             718                  3

    Regions                             708                  2
    Bank of America                     706                  2
    Wachovia Dealer Services            705                  2
    Branch Banking and Trust            697                  2
    Chase Auto Finance                  696                  2
    Harris Bank                         695                  2
    Citizens/Charter One Auto
     Finance                            683                  2
    CitiFinancial Auto                  677                  2
    SunTrust Bank                       673                  2
    Capital One Auto Finance            668                  2
    Sovereign Bank                      668                  2
    Huntington National Bank            659                  2
    Fifth Third Bank                    651                  2

Included in the study but not ranked due to small sample size are: AmeriCredit/Bayview, Bank of the West, Compass Bank, Drive Financial Services, Fidelity, HSBC Auto Finance, Kia Motor Finance, M&T Bank, National Auto Finance Company, PNC Bank, Security Service Federal Credit Union, State Farm Bank, Suzuki Financial Services, TD Banknorth, Valley National Bank, Wells Fargo Auto Finance, Wilmington Trust and World Omni.

Non-Luxury Lease Segment

(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

                                       Index         JDPower.com Power
    Lender                             Score          Circle Ratings
    ------                            -------          For Consumers
                                                       -------------
    Ford Credit                         787                  5
    Volkswagen Credit                   780                  5

    Honda Financial Services            772                  4
    GMAC                                771                  4

    Toyota Financial Services           753                  3
    Non-Luxury Lease Segment
     Average                            752                  3
    Chrysler Financial                  742                  3

    Mazda American Credit               729                  2
    Nissan Motor Acceptance             717                  2
    Subaru Motors Finance               678                  2

Included in the study but not ranked due to small sample size is Mitsubishi Motors Credit.

About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2007 were $6.8 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

J.D. Power and Associates Media Relations Contacts:

John Tews;Troy, Mich.; (248) 312-4119; john.tews@jdpa.com

Syvetril Perryman; Westlake Village, Calif.; (805) 418-8103; syvetril.perryman@jdpa.com

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of J.D. Power and Associates. www.jdpower.com/corporate

Ricardo Selected to Supply Seven-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission for Bugatti Veyron Convertible

VAN BUREN TWP., Mich., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ — Ricardo has been selected as
supplier of the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for the upcoming
convertible version of Bugatti’s highly successful Veyron supercar. The
seven-speed DCT, first developed for the coupe version of the Veyron, is the
result of a highly successful collaboration between Ricardo and Bugatti that
resulted in the development of both the transmission hardware and its
electronic control unit and software.

This state-of-the-art DCT is an important contributor to the exceptional
driving experience offered by the Veyron, which is widely acknowledged as
being exemplary of a modern high-performance sports car. Gear selection is
sequential in action, using steering-wheel-mounted paddles or the innovative
multi-functional electronic gear lever. Ricardo engineered the transmission -
which also can be operated in full automatic mode – to the highest standards
of refinement and quality as well as for functionality and safety, utilizing
the latest technologies in transmission design, electronics, control software
and mechatronics.

In addition to providing support for the design and development of the
Veyron DCT, Ricardo manufactures and supplies the vehicle’s transmission from
a dedicated production unit at the company’s Midlands Technical Centre in the
United Kingdom. This new production order will ensure that the plant remains
in operation in order to supply the future needs of this exceptional vehicle.

“We are extremely pleased to have been selected by Bugatti to fulfill its
on-going production requirements for the Bugatti Veyron’s dual-clutch
transmission,” said Mark Barge, Ricardo’s director of high performance
transmission products. “The Veyron is arguably a vehicle without comparison,
and the state-of-the-art technologies that it demonstrates in its DCT are the
result of a highly successful collaboration between Ricardo and Bugatti.”

About Ricardo

Ricardo, the Eco-Innovation Technology Company, is a leading independent
provider of technology, product innovation, engineering solutions and
strategic consulting to the world’s automotive, military, transport and new
energy industries. The company’s skill base represents the state-of-the-art
in low emissions and fuel-efficient powertrain technology, and can be best
summarized: “Ricardo is Fuel Economy.”

Ricardo offers TVFE(TM), its Total Vehicle Fuel Economy engineering
service, to transportation manufacturers worldwide to provide objective
evaluation of all available technologies to identify the most cost-effective
strategies to optimize fuel economy and CO2 goals. For more information on
TVFE, please visit www.totalvehiclefueleconomy.com .

With technical centers and offices throughout Europe, the U.S. and Asia,
Ricardo provides engineering expertise ranging from vehicle systems
integration, controls & electronics, hardware and software development, to the
latest driveline and transmission systems and gasoline, diesel, hybrid and
fuel cell powertrain technologies. Its customers include the world’s major
automakers and suppliers as well as manufacturers in the military, commercial,
off-highway and clean energy sectors. The company also serves in advisory
roles to governmental and independent agencies. Ricardo’s U.S. operation,
Ricardo, Inc., is headquartered in Van Buren Township, Michigan. Ricardo plc
posted sales of $394 million in financial year 2008 and is a constituent of
the FTSE TechMark 100 index – a group of innovative technology companies
listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more information, visit
www.ricardo.com .

Stars from Motion Pictures, Television and Music Go Green with Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ — When Academy Award Nominee Naomi Watts
celebrated her 40th birthday in Los Angeles this fall, her partner Liev
Schreiber (“X-Men,” “The Manchurian Candidate”) surprised her with a
spectacular present; a Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC. Liev and Naomi are among
the actors and musicians to discover the exceptional performance, efficiency,
and 600-mile cruising range of Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC, the world’s cleanest,
state-of-the-art diesels.

In addition to Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts, fellow BlueTEC drivers from
motion pictures and television include “Desperate Housewives” star Kyle
McLaughlin; “Sex and the City” siren Kim Cattrall; Academy Award Nominee and
Golden Globe Winner Gary Oldman; and “Phantom of the Opera” star and singer
Emmy Rossum.

“My ML320 BlueTEC has all the power and luxury you’d expect of a
Mercedes-Benz, plus the efficiency and low environmental impact of an economy
or even hybrid vehicle,” says Emmy Rossum. “BlueTEC really is the best of
both worlds.”

Also from the world of music, pop superstar Gwen Stefani and her husband,
musician Gavin Rossdale, have a BlueTEC parked in their driveway, as does
singer Josh Kelley (husband of “Grey’s Anatomy” star Katherine Heigl).

Seven-time Grammy winning artist Alanis Morissette chose the
fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC for the video of “Underneath,” the first
single and video from her latest album, “Flavors of Entanglement.” In the
video, Alanis is sitting at a bus stop wearing a “Save the Earth” t-shirt and
distributing fliers to encourage concern for the environment. When a
Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTEC passes by, Alanis salutes the Mercedes driver in
appreciation for their environmentally aware choice.

“Making green choices on a local level is important in creating global
change,” says Alanis. “I’m glad that Mercedes-Benz has introduced a great
option with BlueTEC.”

BlueTEC has also starred in some of the hottest television shows this
season, including “90210″ (CW), “The Amazing Race” (CBS), “Privileged” (CW),
“Starter Wife” (USA Network), and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” (NBC).

About Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC

The BlueTEC wave began in October 2006 when Mercedes-Benz introduced the
E320 BlueTEC sedan; it immediately captured accolades from consumers and
critics alike and was voted “2007 World Green Car of the Year.” Now
Mercedes-Benz has expanded the BlueTEC product range with the introduction of
three new SUV’s – the R, ML and GL 320 BlueTEC – the first diesel SUV’s to
meet the stringent emissions standards of all 50 States. The term “BlueTEC”
is derived from the revolutionary AdBlue process that injects a reducing agent
in the vehicle’s exhaust line and dramatically reduces emissions.

The powerful V6 turbodiesel engine under the hood of the new GL, M and
R-Class BlueTEC models demonstrates excellent performance with an output of
210 bhp (398 lb.ft. of torque) and equally impressive fuel economy which is 20
to 40 percent better than a comparable gasoline engine. Today the
Mercedes-Benz GL 320 BlueTEC is by far the most fuel efficient full size SUV
in the U.S. For more information about Mercedes-Benz clean diesel BlueTEC
vehicles go to http://microsites.mbusa.com/microsite/bluetec/index.jsp

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible
for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products
in the United States. For over forty years, MBUSA has prided itself on its
commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles
coupled with outstanding customer support. More information on MBUSA and its
products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.

Frost & Sullivan Awards Automotive Training Institute for Excellence in Coaching and Training Repair Shops Across North America

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ — Based on its recent analysis
of the automotive aftermarket market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Automotive
Training Institute (ATI) with the 2008 North American Frost & Sullivan
Customer Value Leadership of the Year Award. ATI monitors the changing trends
and challenges faced by automotive repair shop owners, providing superior
value through its boot camps and Shop Re-Engineering Program.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO)

ATI’s boot camps, which are introductory one-day seminars, offer
measurable ROI by generating extra profits of $15,000 to $30,000 for each
participant. It organizes up to 18 boot camps every month in major cities
across North America. To encourage greater participation from shop owners,
ATI’s industry partners refund some or all of the cost of the boot camp to
attendees.

“The Shop Re-Engineering Program is a long-term initiative that includes
over 200 hours of classroom content for shop owners and their service
advisors, coupled with weekly coaching,” says Frost & Sullivan Research
Analyst Ratika Garg. “ATI promises twice the return on investment, which
participants usually achieve within 12 months of starting the program. If
clients do not achieve their 2 to 1 during the program then ATI continues to
work for free until they realize their ROI objective.”

ATI spreads the word about its programs through telemarketing, automotive
trade publications, direct mail, trade shows, speaking engagements, and on-
site visits. These marketing efforts help it build relationships with repair
shops before they make a training investment.

ATI also wins clients over with its guarantee of higher profits before
repair shops even agree to invest in its services. The benefits of its
programs are measurable, easily accessible, and continuous.

“Further, to help repair shop owners market and advertise their
businesses, ATI created an online platform in which clients can pick from 50
different promotional templates,” observes Garg. “It retains a graphic artist
to customize them for different shops and a marketing specialist to co-
ordinate advertising activity.”

ATI’s programs are designed to incorporate the unique needs of different
repair shops, adding significant customer value to its offerings. Its training
modules vary by the size of the shop, the market segment in which it operates,
its business model, and its geographic region. Clients are benchmarked against
best practices in their respective categories to help them improve their
business knowledge. They receive inputs on their performance from both a
financial and operational standpoint.

“ATI has almost 80 associates including 16 coaches working closely with
shop owners over the phone as well as through live classroom programs,” notes
Garg. “Nearly 1,000 repair shops receive coaching every week, and 40+ percent
remain in ATI’s alumni program, which offers continuous performance feedback
from ATI and access to the latest business knowledge.”

ATI stays abreast of clients’ changing needs by receiving regular feedback
from them. It partners with many companies to negotiate favorable pricing for
numerous products and services used in automotive repair facilities. To ensure
quality, ATI does not accept recommendation fees, which gives it the freedom
to change vendors based on client feedback. There is little surprise that its
ongoing internal surveys give it a customer satisfaction index averaging 94.4
percent.

ATI supports a private ‘20 group’ comprised of 18 clients that meet three
times a year to update it on the latest industry trends. Many customers
reported increased sales from $0.5 million to over $3 million after undergoing
ATI training.

To track the success of its programs, ATI has developed a proprietary,
web-based data portal, where its 1,000 clients input 33 key performance
indicators (KPIs) every week. This exercise helps track actual results that
aid in program goals and ATI best practices. ATI has also installed cameras in
its classrooms to facilitate remote access, thereby providing greater
flexibility and ease of communication.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has
demonstrated excellence in customer values through its products and services
that offer superior value to customers and aid them with increased
profitability, and reduced life cycle costs. The recipient company has
continually focused on addressing the changing customer needs across the
industry, thereby enabling it to expand its customer base across verticals and
horizontals. In addition, it has shown unparalleled commitment to
technological innovations pertaining to changing customer needs by offering
products that are specific to both general and niche applications.

Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety
of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and
superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation,
customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare
market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews,
analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices
in the industry.

About Automotive Training Institute

ATI, the industry leader in automotive business consulting, provides
expert management and consulting services through one-day Cash Profits Boot
Camps. ATI’s seminars are designed to help shop owners gain a better
understanding of their business from a financial perspective in order to
develop growth and marketing strategies, retain their existing customer base
while attracting new business and improve overall shop efficiency.

For more than 30 years, ATI has been helping thousands of automotive
repair shop owners increase their profits, reduce stress, and grow their
businesses into the companies of their dreams. In addition, all ATI seminars
are AMI approved with 100% money back guarantees.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, partners with clients to
accelerate their growth. The company’s TEAM Research, Growth Consulting and
Growth Team Membership(TM) empower clients to create a growth-focused culture
that generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies. Frost &
Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000
companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30
offices on six continents. For more information about Frost & Sullivan’s
Growth Partnership Services, visit http://www.awards.frost.com.

     Contact:
     Jake Wengroff
     210.247.3806
     jake.wengroff@frost.com

Auto Color Match, Poised to Grow in a Down Automotive Economy

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ — With news of more company
layoffs each week, Auto Color Match hopes to attract aspiring entrepreneurs to
their successful franchise model. Auto Color Match, founded in 1996 in
Winston-Salem, has carved out a niche in a struggling automotive industry.

Specializing in on-site, same-day automotive paint repair, Auto Color
Match understands the consumer need to freshen up their current vehicle, as
opposed to trading for a newer model in a down economy. Auto Color Match’s
typical repair will cost hundreds less than traditional body shops without
sacrificing quality. They can easily repair chips and scratches as well as
minor body repair on-site in just a few hours. Auto Color Match has built
their competitive advantage in this underserved market on quality, convenience
and its lower cost advantage over body shops.

Jamie Anderson, President of Auto Color Match is excited about the niche
he and his father have created in the automotive industry. “We feel like we
are a bright spot in the automotive business,” says Anderson. “We have a
franchise model in place that will help an entrepreneur with no prior
automotive paint experience be successful.”

Auto Color Match currently has locations in Winston-Salem, NC; Greensboro,
NC; High Point, NC; Raleigh/Durham, NC; and Myrtle Beach, SC. Auto Color
Match is looking to grow their franchise business to key markets such as
Charlotte, NC; Fayetteville, NC; Wilmington, NC and other locations throughout
the southeast.

Anderson believes that his model is exceptional because it puts the
entrepreneur in the driver’s seat. “We feel that if we provide the
infrastructure, training and our successful lead generation system, then the
entrepreneur can concentrate on turning those leads into revenue,” stated
Anderson.

According to Anderson the key to Auto Color Match’s success is taking
chances and trying to think outside the box. “Most people told us we were
crazy to paint cars outside,” said Anderson. “Now, Auto Color Match has
created a tested franchise model that allows entrepreneurs to become the
catalyst.”

For more information on an Auto Color Match franchise, see
www.autocolormatchfranchise.com, or contact Jamie Anderson at 336-655-6311.

Frost & Sullivan Awards Drives, LLC for Outstanding Customer Value Enhancement in the Mechanical Power Transmission and Chain Drive Market

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ — Based on its recent analysis of the mechanical power transmission, chain drives market, Frost & Sullivan presents Drives, LLC with the 2008 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Customer Value Enhancement, in recognition of its efforts in developing a higher degree of manufacturing and engineering expertise in order to better serve its customers.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO)

Through an extensive capital investment program and comprehensive talent exploration, Drives, LLC has been able to increase its capabilities as well as expand its production quality in order to better serve its current and new customers.

“To grow in the mature industrial chain drive market that has been marginalized as a commodity, Drives, LLC has implemented innovative strategies,” says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Clint Adamkavicius. “Through a combination of newer manufacturing concepts and a talented engineering staff, Drives, LLC has expanded into new market verticals, and discovered niche opportunities within the existing market verticals as well.”

For instance, introducing computer numerical controls (CNC) to its production apparatus has helped Drives, LLC improve its manufacturing cycle efficiency, process productivity, and process quality yield, thereby attracting new customers. The strong engineering team allows the company to both increase its customer service capabilities and offer advance technical services to end-users who are challenged with properly trouble-shooting difficult issues within their industries.

While a majority of participants within the North American mechanical chain drive market see no value in in-house production or trying to compete with the low priced chain infiltrating the markets, Drives, LLC has continued in its quest towards a technologically advanced manufacturing facility. Such capital investments allow Drives, LLC to practice Six Sigma-type methodologies and offer superior quality compliant chains, as well as improve its standing in customer satisfaction, while increasing its market share and penetration into previously unexplored market verticals.

Maintaining a technological manufacturing edge within a highly mature market is a costly, time-consuming, and potentially risky proposition. Nonetheless, Drives, LLC has taken on these risks to offer its customers the highest quality chain that can be produced for every possible demanding application its customers may have. In 2007, Drives, LLC was again able to maintain a double-digit growth rate in an industry that had an annualized growth rate of around 4.0 percent, further indicating its market expansion.

Having the right manufacturing equipment is only part of the equation; talented engineers who can not only develop new chain systems with various capabilities, but also maintain and support current product lines, is critical. Drives, LLC has assembled an impressive engineering staff to augment its manufacturing upgrades.

This allows Drives, LLC to provide further services to niche market participants and offer customers the opportunity of application-based engineered products, as well as a broad base of services unsurpassed in today’s commoditized chain market.

“With the majority of industrial chain manufacturers moving towards the self-fulfilling prophecy of commoditization of the market, Drives, LLC has repeatedly demonstrated profitability and end-user acceptance in providing application based solutions,” continues Adamkavicius. “From lumber and paper products to food processing, packaging, and mining; Drives, LLC has incorporated its years of knowledge and technological advancements into a customer-centric industrial chain provider.”

The application-based selling program at Drives, LLC provides customers with the answers to their toughest questions with a quality they have come to expect. The company has been able to solve customers’ problems that have saved its customers from loss in production, down time, and maintenance costs.

Overall, Drives, LLC demonstrates a level of ingenuity unsurpassed in the mechanical power transmission market. As its competitors scramble to reduce overhead costs in order to sell their chains at a lower price, Drives, LLC astounds its customers with a high-quality product and dependable engineering services that are geared towards helping its customers.

For offering its customers much more value than a commodity provider could ever provide, Frost & Sullivan is proud to present Drives, LLC with the 2008 Customer Value Enhancement of the Year Award in the mechanical power transmission, belt and chain drives domain.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has demonstrated more innovative, value creation, and enhancement strategies than competing vendors. The award recognizes the degree to which the company’s strategies have met customers’ stated needs and requirements. Such innovation is expected to significantly improve customer interaction and contribute to customer value.

Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

About Drives, LLC

Drives, LLC- Product you need, service you expect.

Drives manufactures the most comprehensive line of superior quality power transmission roller chains, attachment chains and engineered conveyor chains for the world’s toughest applications. With over 100 years of advanced engineering knowledge and experience, Drives relentlessly delivers leading edge solutions that set the standard for quality in the industry. To view our complete line of products, visit www.drivesinc.com.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth. The company’s TEAM Research, Growth Consulting and Growth Team Membership(TM) empower clients to create a growth-focused culture that generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30 offices on six continents. For more information about Frost & Sullivan’s Growth Partnerships, visithttp://www.awards.frost.com.

    Contact:
    Jake Wengroff
    210.247.3806
    jake.wengroff@frost.com

Verizon Business to Drive Global IP Network for Daimler AG

Managed Solutions Ensure Fast, Secure Exchange of Critical Information

READING, England, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ — Verizon Business will provide and manage a secure global communications network for Daimler AG, a leading global manufacturer of premium passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

Fully managed Verizon Private IP and managed security solutions will be rolled out across Daimler’s operations in Africa, Canada, Europe, Mexico, the Middle East and the U.S. In addition, Daimler will deploy Verizon voice-over-Internet-protocol (VoIP) solutions to transition its existing voice communications to an all-IP environment.

Daimler’s criteria included enhanced security capabilities as well as additional capacity to support the efficient exchange of multimedia and data files. In addition, the company wanted enhanced management and reporting capabilities to ensure optimal network performance, as well as the capability to quickly and easily deploy IP-based solutions such as VoIP to achieve business and operational efficiencies.

Daimler’s overall objective was to maximize the potential of its global network for the fast and secure exchange of business-critical information, as well as to enhance employee and customer communications capabilities across its global operations.

Connie Paquette, regional vice president, Verizon Business, said: “Daimler is one of the world’s best-known automotive brands, and is practically a byword for automotive excellence. Effective communications are critical for the operational effectiveness of the company. As such, excellence in solution, service capability and global reach are key criteria in the selection of a business partner. Verizon Business has proven experience in supporting companies as they move toward next-generation, IP-based communications capabilities, and we look forward to working closely with Daimler to support its needs around the globe.”

Verizon Business manages 260,000-plus devices on more than 4,200 customer networks in 142 countries and territories, overseeing non-Verizon connections from more than 60 network providers around the world. Verizon Business’ industry-leading service-level commitments and award-winning IMPACT management platform underscore its legacy of service and innovation. Verizon Business also offers a suite of professional network and security services to help customers successfully deploy and manage their IP networks.

About Daimler AG

Daimler AG with its businesses Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Trucks, Daimler Financial Services, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Daimler Buses, is a globally leading producer of premium passenger cars and the largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in the world. The Daimler Financial Services division has a broad offering of financial services, including vehicle financing, leasing, insurance and fleet management. Daimler sells its products in nearly all the countries of the world and has production facilities on five continents. The current brand portfolio includes the world’s most valuable automobile brand, Mercedes-Benz, as well as Smart, Maybach, Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Mitsubishi Fuso, Setra, Orion and Thomas Built Buses. For more information, visit: www.daimler.com.

About Verizon Business

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), is a global leader in communications and IT solutions. We combine professional expertise with the world’s most connected IP network to deliver award-winning communications, IT, information security and network solutions. We securely connect today’s extended enterprises of widespread and mobile customers, partners, suppliers and employees — enabling them to increase productivity and efficiency and help preserve the environment. Many of the world’s largest businesses and governments — including 96 percent of the Fortune 1000 and thousands of government agencies and educational institutions — rely on our professional and managed services and network technologies to accelerate their business. Find out more at www.verizonbusiness.com