VIDEO from Medialink and General Motors: The New Generation of Crash Test Dummies

NEW YORK, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ — They take the hit for us in the name of safety. And while biofedelic anthropomorphic test devices, better known as crash test dummies, can’t talk, they speak volumes about how crash forces impact human beings.

(See video from General Motors (NYSE: GM) at: http://media.medialink.com/WebNR.aspx?story=36030)

Human-like crash test dummies, like General Motors’ Hybrid III, replicate the human form in overall weight, size and proportion. These high-tech dummies actually “feel for us,” using sophisticated technologies that gauge the potential for head, neck, chest, spine and leg injuries. The injury measurements retrieved from them are then used by vehicle safety engineers to design safety in a car.

Life-saving features – like three-point safety belts, airbags, and protective vehicle structures – have been developed, tested and refined with the help of these vinyl-skinned, data-collecting humanoids. The contribution of crash test technology to the safety of motor vehicles has been substantial and continues to lead the way to smarter, safer cars.

Registered journalists can access video, audio, text, graphics and photos for free and unrestricted use at http://www.mediaseed.tv.

12FF08-0102

USW and UAW Locals Look to Save Automotive Supply Jobs in Midwest

Foreign Owner Locks Out Workers; Another Shutdown Looming?

VAN WERT, Ohio, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1-524 members Aaron Collins and Natasha Ringwald will travel from Van Wert, Ohio, Saturday, December 6th to meet with members of the United Autoworkers (UAW) Local 1268 in Belvidere, Ill. to examine the uncertain future that lies ahead at their respective plants as the domestic automotive industry confronts corporate restructuring and downsizing. The USW members work at the Kongsberg Automotive facility in Van Wert and produce console shifters used in the assembly of the Dodge Caliber at the Chrysler assembly plant in Belvidere.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080131/DC12982LOGO)

Norway-based Kongsberg Automotive bought the former Teleflex facility in Van Wert Ohio last year, and five months later locked out all 327 workers after demanding a pension plan freeze and 40% wage cuts. The workers believe that Kongsberg is deliberately shutting down many facilities in North America, leaving workers that once supplied the Big Three out in the cold.

“We want to continue to be the Belvidere supplier,” says Aaron Collins, USW Local 1-524 president. “But we can’t do that if we’re locked out. We wonder if there will be any jobs left in Van Wert considering Kongsberg’s cut-and-run reputation.” With 10.5% of its residents out of work, Van Wert County has the third highest unemployment rate in all of Ohio. Locked-out Steelworkers wonder how they’ll get through the holidays as unemployment benefits run out and jobs are scarce.

“Times are tough for everyone in the country, but it doesn’t have to be that way in Van Wert,” says Natasha Ringwald, a single mother employed at the Kongsberg facility. “We want to be in our plant working, producing parts for Chrysler, Ford and GM. Instead we’re locked out. I’m not sure Santa is going to able to bring my son much this year.”

“We are proud of these members for their courage in standing up to this ruthless employer and its unfair demands, and will do all we can to see that their fight is successful,” said USW District 1 Director Dave McCall. “We cannot allow employers such as Kongsberg to use a sour economy as an excuse to take advantage of USW members.”

UAW Local 1268 members in Belvidere, Ill. also have concerns about their futures with Chrysler. “Our members know very well the difference between good-quality equipment made by skilled, dedicated long-term union workers and the often-unsafe equipment made by inexperienced replacements,” says Brandon Campbell, UAW Local 1268 president. “Furthermore, what is happening to our sisters and brothers at Kongsberg could not happen, if our trade policies did not make it so easy for unscrupulous companies to ship jobs across the border. All manufacturing jobs in our country are in jeopardy because of the bad economy, bad companies, and bad trade policies.”

As Ford, Chrysler and General Motors wait to see if they will be awarded $25 billion in federal aid to help protect them from potential bankruptcy or total collapse; 4.5 million workers connected to the automotive industry hold their breaths. “This isn’t a crises for just the Big Three,” says Director McCall. “It’s a crisis for all workers in the automotive industry.” In addition to active workers there are over 780,000 Big Three retirees and dependents that rely on the viability of the auto industry to survive.

CONTACT: Aaron Collins of USW Local 524-1, +1-419-203-2329, or Brandon Campbell of UAW Local 1268, +1-815-544-2111

Faith-Based Investors: Bailout Should Focus on Shifting Industry’s Gears to More Fuel-Efficient Vehicles, Not Just Short-Term Survival

Filers of Over 300 Auto-Related Shareholder Resolutions Since 1972 See Ford As Better Positioned than GM for Carbon-Constrained Future

NEW YORK, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — If Congress decides to bail out the U.S. auto industry, the focus should be on moving automakers to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles, as opposed to merely extending a short-term lifeline to the industry, according to the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) ICCR is a coalition of nearly 300 faith-based institutional investors, representing over $100 billion in invested capital.

Faith-based investors also noted that Ford may be better positioned to move forward and thrive than General Motors. That observation is based on the handling of more than 300 auto-related resolutions filed by ICCR members between 1972-2009, specifically on the need to improve automotive standards, creating a healthier environment and move to sustainable corporate practices.

Sister Patricia A. Daly, OP, executive director, Tri-State Coalition for Responsible Investment, and representative for the Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell, NJ, the lead resolution filer, said: “The problematic issues facing U.S. auto makers have been apparent to religious investors for many years. For more than a decade now, we have felt that it is essential for American auto companies to significantly change their business models to produce the energy efficient vehicles that consumers want, and that will be necessary in a carbon-constrained world. Time after time Ford has led the pack, specifically with its new business plan to implement measurable actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in products and operations. Arguably, Ford’s initiative to roll out more fuel efficient vehicles has contributed to their improved financial standing today.”

Daly added: “Regardless of how Congress responds to the auto industry this week, our lawmakers will only be fiscally responsible if they deliver policy that incentivizes fuel efficient transportation for both consumers and industry.”

Laura Berry, executive director, Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility said: “ICCR’s model of long-term and persistent engagement by institutional investors who, as fiduciaries, are concerned about all aspects of corporate performance – environmental, social, ethical and financial – is beginning to transform how corporations solve problems and navigate difficult new challenges. Ford’s leadership in this area is one example of emerging leadership. Their commitments are beginning to establish a new corporate governance standard on climate. In today’s difficult business climate, this openness to new approaches may well determine who survives in the marketplace and who does not. These are clearly important issues to all investors.”

On April 9, 2008, religious and other institutional investors joined with Ford Motor Co. in announcing that Ford is the first U.S. auto company to spell out how it plans to reach the goal of reducing by at least 30 percent the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its new vehicle fleet by 2020. The decision by Ford to publish its emission target came in the wake of climate-related shareholder resolutions put forward by members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility and the Investor Network on Climate Risk Network (INCR) organized by Ceres.

In March 2008, Ford presented concerned investors with a detailed analysis of its fuel emissions goals showing how the 30 percent emissions reduction would be achieved in a manner consistent with the 60-80 percent CO2 reductions by 2050 that Ford and dozens of other U.S. companies have agreed to as part of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership. Previously, the most any U.S. auto company has agreed to do on GHG emissions is to undertake enhanced reporting of climate-related impacts or set a general GHG goal without showing how it would be reached.

Beyond Ford, religious investors also urged General Motors to set specific greenhouse gas reduction targets for its vehicles and operations. However, GM has declined to do so to date.

ABOUT ICCR

The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (http://www.iccr.org) is a coalition of nearly 300 faith-based institutional investors, representing over $100 billion in invested capital. ICCR members bridge the divide between morality and markets by envisioning a civic economy that integrates ethical, environmental and social values. Inspired by faith, committed to action, ICCR members work to build a just and sustainable global community.

    CONTACT:
    Ailis Aaron Wolf
    (703) 276-3265
    aawolf@hastingsgroup.com

Audi Adjusts Its U.S., European Motorsports Activities for 2009

INGOLSTADT, Germany, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ — Audi announced it will
concentrate its motorsports efforts for 2009 on the new R15 TDI sport
prototype for the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, the re-worked race touring car A4
for the DTM circuit and the newly developed R8 LMS for customer use in the GT3
class. Audi also said it will not be represented by its factory team, Audi
Sport North America, in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in 2009.

Audi entered the American Le Mans Series in the year 2000 and has been
instrumental in building up this championship series ever since. The
championship has become one of the most fascinating motorsport series with a
growing fan base. The ALMS is recognized internationally and is regarded as
the world’s best sports car championship.

“The decision to withdraw was a very difficult one for these reasons.
Furthermore, with the Champion racing team we had a partner that operates at
the highest level. The extraordinary dedication and precision of Team
Champion was the key to Audi’s victories over the last few years in America,”
said Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, the head of Audi Motorsport, in relating the
difficult decision by Audi AG to call off ALMS participation next year. “We
achieved an unprecedented winning series together. Since the 2000 season Audi
has won the LMP1 title nine-times in succession in this high-caliber sports
car championship. Our brand dominated the circuit last season by taking seven
wins in eleven races.”

Dr. Ullrich also noted how technology developed for Audi’s racing efforts
in ALMS and elsewhere is turning into benefits for U.S. consumers. “TDI
Technology in racing supported the market launch of Audi TDI Technology in the
U.S. perfectly,” he said.

While Audi AG plans to concentrate its factory involvement at European
venues throughout the 2009 season in these economically tough times, American
fans of Audi motorsports will be treated to a premiere: The all-new Audi R15
TDI sports prototype will make its debut March 21, 2009 during the 12-hour
race at Sebring, Fla. This international racing classic, which will be
contested by Audi Sport Team Joest, is traditionally regarded as excellent
preparation and a final test-race for the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France.
At the same time, the race at Sebring with its special demands made of man and
machine guarantees excellent motorsports competition.

Detroit Free Press Editorial Sends Message to Congress: Invest in America

DETROIT, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ — Today and again Monday, December 8, the
Detroit Free Press will distribute 1,000 copies of a front page editorial
urging Congress to pass legislation for government-backed loans for Detroit
automakers. These copies will be delivered door-to-door to almost 800
Congressional offices.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081105/CLW096LOGO )

Paul Anger, Editor and Vice President, news for the Detroit Free Press,
said, “The Free Press has covered the American auto industry and its ups and
downs for more than a century. We know it better than anyone. It’s our
responsibility now to stand up and say what’s what. A newspaper needs to
inform, and a newspaper needs to lead the discussion. That’s what we’re doing
here.”

This unprecedented delivery to Congress is a first for the Free Press.
The editorial is direct and explains this isn’t just Detroit’s problem — it
affects all Americans.

To review this historic editorial and continuing coverage of the auto
industry, go to freep.com now.

Detroit Media Partnership, L.P. manages the business functions of the
Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News. As the largest newspapers in
Michigan, with two of the most visited Web sites in the market, the Free Press
and The News combine to reach a weekly audience of 2.1 million people; 56% of
adults in this market see our products.* Detroit Media Partnership is also the
advertising sales agent for the following suburban Detroit publications:
Observer & Eccentric and Mirror Newspapers, Novi News, Milford Times,
Northville Record, South Lyon Herald and Livingston County Daily Press &
Argus. Gannett Co., Inc., owner of the Free Press, is the general partner in
DMP; MediaNews Group, owner of The News, is the limited partner.

*SOURCE: 2008 Scarborough Report – August 2006 – July 2007 – Detroit DMA

Kansas Entertainment, LLC Withdraws Application for Lottery Gaming Facility Manager, Intends to Re-Apply When Bidding Re-Opens

KANSAS CITY, Kan., Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — International Speedway
Corporation (Nasdaq: ISCA; OTC Bulletin Board: ISCB) (“ISC” or “the Company”)
and The Cordish Company (“Cordish”) announced today that Kansas Entertainment,
LLC (“KE”), a 50/50 joint venture between Kansas Speedway Development
Corporation, a wholly owned ISC subsidiary, and partners of Cordish, has
withdrawn its application for Lottery Gaming Facility Manager for the
Northeast Kansas gaming zone, with the intent to re-apply upon the re-opening
of bidding for the zone.

“In the three months since the decision of the Lottery Gaming Facility
Review Board (“Review Board”) to award our Hard Rock Hotel & Casino the
management contract (“Contract”) for Wyandotte County, Kansas, there has been
an unprecedented crisis and disruption in the global financial and economic
markets,” stated ISC President, Lesa France Kennedy. “We are prepared to
immediately move forward with the development of a $400 million, Hard Rock-
branded casino as presented to the Review Board, which will include a state-
of-the-art casino and multiple dining and entertainment venues. However, in
the current financing environment we require the flexibility, if needed, to
phase in the hotel, convention facilities, and additional entertainment
components. As this was technically not permitted within our existing
agreement, and this agreement could not be modified, we were forced
reluctantly to withdraw our application. Upon the State re-opening bidding,
we absolutely plan to re-apply with our phased development plan, as well as
seek the realignment of a second NASCAR Sprint Cup date and building a road
course at Kansas Speedway as part of the re-submitted application.”

Mr. Joseph Weinberg, a Managing Partner at Cordish, added: “We remain
fully committed to bringing a first-class casino and entertainment destination
to Kansas Speedway which will benefit Wyandotte County and the entire State of
Kansas. We greatly appreciate the professionalism of all the State and Unified
Government employees and representatives throughout the review process. Their
conduct has been exemplary. We are eager to re-apply.”

International Speedway Corporation

International Speedway Corporation (the “Company”) is a leading promoter
of motorsports activities, currently promoting more than 100 racing events
annually as well as numerous other motorsports-related activities. The
Company owns and/or operates 13 of the nation’s major motorsports
entertainment facilities, including Daytona International Speedway(R) in
Florida (home of the Daytona 500(R)); Talladega Superspeedway(R) in Alabama;
Michigan International Speedway(R) located outside Detroit; Richmond
International Raceway(R) in Virginia; Auto Club Speedway of Southern
California(SM) near Los Angeles; Kansas Speedway(R) in Kansas City, Kansas;
Phoenix International Raceway(R) in Arizona; Chicagoland Speedway(R) and Route
66 Raceway(SM) near Chicago, Illinois; Homestead-Miami Speedway(SM) in
Florida; Martinsville Speedway(R) in Virginia; Darlington Raceway(R) in South
Carolina; and Watkins Glen International(R) in New York. In addition, ISC is
a limited partner with Group Motorise International in the organization and
promotion of certain events at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada.

The Company also owns and operates MRN(R) Radio, the nation’s largest
independent sport radio network; the Daytona 500 Experience(SM), the “Ultimate
Motorsports Attraction” in Daytona Beach, Florida, the official attraction of
NASCAR(R); and Americrown Service Corporation, a subsidiary that provides
catering services, food and beverage concessions, and produces and markets
motorsports-related merchandise. In addition, ISC has an indirect 50 percent
interest in a business called Motorsports Authentics(R), which markets and
distributes motorsports-related merchandise licensed by certain competitors in
NASCAR racing. For more information, visit the Company’s Web site at
www.iscmotorsports.com.

The Cordish Company

The Cordish Company (www.cordish.com), now in its fourth generation of
family ownership, is a multi-billion dollar conglomerate including one of the
leading real estate development companies in the United States. The company
has diverse development expertise with divisions focused on Entertainment &
Mixed-Use, Gaming & Lodging, Sports Anchored Districts, Shopping & Lifestyle
Retail, Office and Residential. The Cordish Company also owns and manages a
diverse group of operating businesses, ranging from restaurants/clubs to live
music promotion to film/media distribution. The company values itself on the
quality of its operations, its long-term relationships, and high level of
integrity in all of its endeavors.

The Cordish Company is the largest and most successful developer of
entertainment districts and concepts in the United States. In particular, the
company has unparalleled experience in creating and revitalizing high-profile
destinations in urban core locations. Many of the Cordish Company’s projects
involve public/private partnerships and are of unique significance to the
cities in which they are located. Prime examples are the company’s prominent
role in the redevelopment of four highly successful projects in Baltimore’s
world-famous Inner Harbor; Atlantic City, NJ; Hollywood, FL; Charleston, SC;
Houston, TX; Louisville, KY; and Tampa, FL. The company currently has over
one billion dollars in construction focusing primarily on Sports Anchored
Districts.

The Cordish Company has received the highest possible national awards in
its various areas of expertise. In real estate, the Cordish Company has
received an unprecedented six Urban Land Institute Awards of Excellence.

Statements made in this release that express the Company’s or management’s
beliefs or expectations and which are not historical facts or which are
applied prospectively are forward-looking statements. It is important to note
that the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those contained
in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company’s results could
be impacted by risk factors, including, but not limited to, weather
surrounding racing events, government regulations, economic conditions,
consumer and corporate spending, military actions, air travel and national or
local catastrophic events. Additional information concerning factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-
looking statements is contained from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings
including, but not limited to, the 10-K and subsequent 10-Qs. Copies of those
filings are available from the Company and the SEC. The Company undertakes no
obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking
statements that may be needed to reflect events or circumstances after the
date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The
inclusion of any statement in this release does not constitute an admission by
International Speedway or any other person that the events or circumstances
described in such statement are material.

American Axle & Manufacturing Announces Asset Purchase Agreement with FormTech Industries

DETROIT, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — American Axle & Manufacturing
(AAM), which is traded as AXL on the NYSE, today announced that it has
executed an asset purchase agreement with FormTech Industries LLC
(“FormTech”).

As part of this agreement, AAM exchanged its hub and spindle forging
business for FormTech’s differential gear, hypoid pinion and ring gear forging
businesses. In order to compensate for the difference in value between the
assets and businesses exchanged by the parties, AAM made a cash payment to
FormTech. The parties also exchanged certain direct and indirect inventories,
fixed assets and tooling related to the exchanged businesses.

    Other key aspects of the agreement include:

    -- The sale of AAM's Tonawanda Forge Facility to a third party.  FormTech
       will continue to operate in the Tonawanda facility.
    -- AAM's acquisition of FormTech's 50,000 square-foot manufacturing
       facility, in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. AccuGear, Inc., a newly formed AAM
       subsidiary, will produce net shaped differential gears for a variety of
       customers.

“Through this asset purchase agreement, AAM has strategically acquired new
forging process technology. This strengthens AAM’s competitive position in
the North American automotive forging market and enhances our ability to
expand and diversify AAM’s market penetration into transaxle components for
passenger cars and crossover vehicles, as well as transfer case and
all-wheel-drive components,” says AAM Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO Richard E.
Dauch.

AAM is a world leader in the manufacture, engineering, design and
validation of driveline and drivetrain systems and related components and
modules, chassis systems and metal-formed products for trucks, sport utility
vehicles, passenger cars and crossover utility vehicles. In addition to
locations in the United States (Michigan, New York, Ohio and Indiana), AAM
also has offices or facilities in Brazil, China, Germany, India, Japan,
Luxembourg, Mexico, Poland, South Korea, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

Certain statements contained in this press release which are not
historical facts contain forward-looking information with respect to the
Company’s plans, projections or future performance, the occurrence of which
involves risk and uncertainties that could cause the company’s actual results
or plans to differ materially from those expected by the company which include
risk factors described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

    For more information...
    Renee B. Rogers                          Jamie M. Little
    Manager, Corporate Communications        Director, Investor Relations
    & Media Relations                        (313) 758-4831
    (313) 758-4882                           jamie.little@aam.com
    renee.rogers@aam.com

    Or visit the AAM website at www.aam.com

Annual Direct Economic Impact of Chrysler LLC in America Estimated to Exceed $29 Billion

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ — Chrysler LLC today released
figures revealing that the direct economic impact of the company’s operations
in the U.S. exceeds $29 billion annually.

The analysis covers economic activity in all 50 states, and includes
annual wages, pensions and state and local taxes paid as well as supplier and
minority supplier purchases. The analysis also includes the number of
employees, retirees, dealers and suppliers in each state.

    Highlights
    -- Chrysler U.S. employees paid $1.3 billion (2007) in Federal taxes.
    -- Chrysler paid nearly $6 billion (2007) in annual wages in the U.S.
    -- Chrysler paid nearly $2 billion (2007) in pension benefits to more than
       120,000 retirees (2007) living in all 50 states.
    -- Chrysler paid nearly $280 million (2007) in state and local taxes in
       the U.S.
    -- Chrysler purchases more than $21.3 billion (through October 2008) from
       more than 6,000 parts suppliers located in all 50 states (this figure
       does not include an additional $9 billion (2008) spent annually --
       mostly in the U.S. -- on logistics and indirect equipment and
       services).  Chrysler spends more than $4.8 billion (2007) with minority
       suppliers annually. Since 1983, Chrysler has sourced more than $38
       billion to minority-owned suppliers.
    -- Chrysler's more than 3,300 dealers (2008) employ more than 144,000
       people in local communities throughout the U.S.

The analysis supports the case that despite the entire automotive industry
facing tough economic challenges, Chrysler has not wavered in its commitment
to its people, partners and local communities throughout the U.S.

About Chrysler LLC

Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler,
Jeep(R), Dodge and Mopar(R) brand vehicles and products. Total sales worldwide
in 2007 were 2.7 million vehicles. Sales outside of North America were the
highest ever with an increase of 15 percent from 2006. Its product lineup
features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the
Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, and Dodge
Challenger and Ram. The Chrysler Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm,
annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations in the United States
and throughout the world. In 2007, the foundation gave approximately $21
million in charitable donations.

For a chart of state by state Chrysler direct economic impact spend go to
www.media.chrysler.com.

Six Million Auto-Related Jobs at Risk, Says The Engine of Democracy

Suppliers and Dealers in 50 States and D.C. Tell Congress to Support Automotive Bridge Loans

WASHINGTON,Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Engine of Democracy, a coalition of auto suppliers, dealers and others representing six million workers across the country, staged a rally near the steps of the U.S. Capitol today demanding that Congress take swift action to provide a federal bridge loan for the domestic auto industry. Fifty-one workers either directly or indirectly employed by the auto industry gathered in Washington to represent the nationwide impact of this essential industry. Each worker wore a red-white-and-blue sports jersey with the number of auto-related jobs at risk in each state and the District of Columbia emblazoned on the front.

“With six million supplier, dealer and related jobs at risk nationwide, failure of the domestic auto industry is not an option,” said Timothy D. Leuliette, president & CEO of Dura Automotive Systems, Inc. “In addition to the ‘Big Three’ auto companies, countless supporting companies drive good jobs in local economies all across the nation. These are hard working men and women struggling to support their families and communities in the midst of this global economic crisis. Congress must act now to support a bridge loan – not a bailout – for America’s auto industry.”

Given the urgency of the situation and the need to counter misinformation about the vital role the domestic auto industry plays in the U.S. economy, The Engine of Democracy coalition was formed to give voice to the six million people whose jobs are directly or indirectly tied to the health and vitality of domestic automakers. With minimal publicity, the interactive website, www.TheEngineofDemocracy.com, launched on Monday and received more than 15,000 visitors in just four days, generating more than one thousand grassroots emails and letters to Capitol Hill in support of the automotive bridge loan program.

“The American auto industry has long been our nation’s engine of democracy. In World War II, it turned on a dime and became what President Roosevelt called ‘The Arsenal of Democracy.’ After September 11, automakers responded by slashing prices and loan rates to jump-start a needed economic rebound. With the global economic crisis, now is the time for the government to help automakers help the American economy,” said Carl Galeana, who owns several new car dealerships across the country.

America’s car companies play a crucial role in the nation’s economic engine. Almost 4 percent of U.S. gross domestic product is auto-related, and vehicle manufacturing represents 10 percent of U.S. industrial production by value. According to The Automotive Trade Policy Council, the U.S. auto industry invests $10 billion in this country in plants and equipment each year. In addition, the U.S.-based auto industry is second only to the semiconductor industry in R&D spending – $12 billion last year alone.

“If Congress does not take swift action to prevent the collapse of our domestic auto industry, the already hard hit automotive Midwest will be ground zero, but the economic fallout will instantly spread through local economies all across the country,” said Neil DeKoker, president of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association.

Additional facts:

• General Motors, Ford and Chrysler make vehicles Americans want to buy. Fifty percent of the products sold in this country come from those companies. The best-selling vehicle in the United States is a Ford; the second highest selling is a GM product.

• According to J.D. Power, three of the top five brands for dependability are American made: Buick, Cadillac and Mercury. The rest of the world has taken notice. Motor vehicles and parts are the single largest U.S. export, topping aerospace, medical equipment and communications.

• Ford has the most five-star safety rated vehicles in the industry, and GM has the same number of vehicles as Toyota that achieved the top safety rating, according to the Institute for Highway Safety.

• American vehicles are fuel efficient. GM has twice as many models as its closest competitor that gets 30 miles per gallon in fuel economy. GM’s four new midsize crossover vehicles have best-in-class fuel economy. GM has eight hybrids on the road today, with a total of 20 planned by 2012. The two-mode Chevy Tahoe full-size SUV was named Green Car of the Year last November by the Green Car Journal. The new Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid beat the Toyota Camry Hybrid by six miles per gallon. In minivans, Chrysler models get better fuel economy than both Nissan and Toyota models, and are basically tied with Honda models.

The Engine of Democracy coalition includes automotive supplier and dealership employees, affiliated organizations and individual men and women who are concerned about the future of the domestic auto industry and what it means for America’s economy and security. We are self-funded and receive no funds from Chrysler, Ford or General Motors. More at www.theengineofdemocracy.com.

The state-by-state employment figures in this release are an estimate based on the latest employment figures from Chrysler, Ford and General Motors; total direct and indirect estimates from OESA (Original Equipment Suppliers Association); and NADA dealer figures applied only to those dealers selling Chrysler, Ford and General Motors brands. A modest 10 percent multiplier was added to the direct employment of America’s car companies. These numbers can vary from week to week.