Tellme Enters Automotive Market

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ — In its first automotive
engagement, Tellme(R), a Microsoft subsidiary, is providing voice technology
for Ford Motor Company’s new SYNC(TM) Traffic, Directions and Information
service, unveiled this week at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics
Show in Las Vegas.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

Traffic, Directions and Information is an interactive voice-powered
service that expands Ford’s SYNC voice-command capabilities. Simply by
speaking, motorists can access online services while keeping their eyes on the
road and hands on the wheel, including personalized driving directions,
traffic reports and information such as business listings, news, weather and
sports.

“Tellme’s leadership in voice technology made them our choice to provide
the front end of Ford’s Traffic, Directions and Information service,” said
Doug VanDagens, director of Connected Services at Ford Motor Company.

According to the Consumer Electronics Association, the average American
spends 16.5 hours a week in a vehicle(1). Motorists find it increasingly
unacceptable to be cut off from on-demand communication, information and
entertainment services while on the go.

However, existing interfaces for computers, mobile phones and navigation
devices are often not appropriate in the vehicle. Among car buyers, 80 percent
say the availability of connected voice services would be a key deciding
factor in which car to purchase, according to Tellme research.

“Voice is the natural interface for in-car experiences, and Tellme is
uniquely positioned to deliver services that keep motorists informed,
productive and entertained on the road,” said Dariusz Paczuski, senior
director of Tellme Consumer Services. “Our connected services are
transformative because they deliver real-time information on demand — no more
waiting for a traffic report on the radio that doesn’t even cover your route,
or relying on map data that’s months out of date.”

Tellme has been delivering voice services for almost a decade, and has
deep expertise in the following:

* Voice recognition. Tellme manages more than 2 billion phone calls every
year, providing a huge database for optimizing voice recognition. Unlike
embedded speech recognition systems, which rely on the underpowered processors
in mobile phones or personal navigation devices, Tellme performs speech
recognition on high-speed servers in its own datacenters for maximum accuracy
and response time.

* Text-to-speech. Tellme has developed sophisticated voice synthesis that
delivers the cadences of true human speech, rather than the robotic staccato
of many current systems, which improves task completion rates.

* Audio design. Tellme’s natural language audio designs make it easy for
people to say what they want rather than wait to select from lengthy menus of
numbered choices, reducing task completion time.

* Scalability. Because Tellme’s services are network-based, new features
and functionality can be added without any need for hardware or software
upgrades.

* Feedback. Tellme can provide detailed statistical analysis on how
customers interact with the service, giving the automotive industry new
insight into customer needs.

About Tellme

Tellme (http://www.tellme.com) fundamentally improves how people use the
phone to get the information they need every day. By combining Internet data
and a voice interface, Tellme’s services let people simply say what they want
and get it. Services running on Tellme’s platform include business search on
411 and information search on 1-800-555-TELL, as well as customer service and
ordering for large-scale enterprises. Today Tellme manages more than 2 billion
calls a year and is used by more than 40 million people every month.
Headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., Tellme is a Microsoft subsidiary.

(1) “Automotive Electronics — What Consumers Have and What They Desire,”

Consumer Electronics Association, February 2008.

Ford Announces Plans for Continued In-Car Connectivity Leadership, New SYNC Features

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Ford (NYSE: F) today announced
plans to globalize its affordable industry-leading SYNC technologies and
services at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and introduced new features
aimed at further growing its in-vehicle connectivity leadership.

“No one in the automotive industry offers this level of connectivity as
simply and affordably as Ford,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally, who
delivered his first keynote address at CES Thursday. “Our SYNC platform links
customers from their vehicles to their hand-held devices to the internet — a
level of connectivity that will continue to expand as we integrate new and
emerging applications from our industry-leading partners.”

Mulally, along with Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product
Development, and top members of Ford’s Connected Services team, announced a
new set of SYNC services that leverage industry-leading voice-recognition
software, integrated GPS technology and a customer’s Bluetooth-capable mobile
phone to deliver personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving
directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news,
sports and weather — without the need for a built-in navigation system.

Launching this summer, SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information
allows customers to move seamlessly between their home, car and office,
staying connected wherever they go. The new service will be available on all
2010 model-year, SYNC-equipped Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models with no
monthly subscription fees for the first three years.

Ford SYNC is the industry’s first system to seamlessly integrate a variety
of technologies to provide emergency, diagnostic and information services as
well as traffic reports and directions on the road. They include: on-board
text-to-speech engine, a customer’s mobile phone and network, data-over-voice
technology, an off-board routing engine and voice portal, text messaging, an
existing mobile application and the power of the Internet.

Ford is partnering with Microsoft and other recognized companies — INRIX,
TeleNav, Tellme (a Microsoft subsidiary), M/A-COM and Airbiquity — to enable
the new services to connect to real-time data.

“Our goal is to lead the industry into a new era of in-vehicle
connectivity,” Kuzak said. “Using a SYNC platform that is more capable than
ever before, we are taking ideas from technology companies and bringing them
into the vehicle. The power of the partnership really knows no bounds.”

Kuzak said a key difference and an important competitive advantage for
Ford is that the company has no interest in developing its own proprietary
system.

“We have an open system that accepts hardware and software products and
applications,” he said. “We are striving to deliver technologies and
applications to customers with speed, scale and affordability that no other
automaker can touch.”

In addition, the SYNC system is upgradeable. Customers can add new
features and applications by using simple download features. Plus, all the
new features come without a monthly service fee for three years.

The success of SYNC is creating demand outside North America. Ford will
be making the award-winning system available globally starting in 2010, first
in Europe, then migrating to Asia Pacific and Australia.

Ford also is redefining how customers react and interact with a vehicle’s
controls and displays, including making voice recognition more natural and
conversational. The first breakthrough in Ford’s Human Machine Interface
(HMI) strategy is SmartGauge with EcoGuide, which launches on the new 2010
Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids this spring. SmartGauge with EcoGuide
is an innovative new instrument cluster that provides real-time information
and “coaches” drivers on how to achieve maximum fuel efficiency in their
hybrids.

On Thursday, Ford offered a glimpse into the future with a new, more
powerful HMI that hints at how Ford’s future interior environments could
function one day. It takes SYNC to the next level through the use of
configurable controls and the use of an electronic personal assistant, or
“avatar,” named Eva.

Engaged through conversational speech, Eva acts as the liaison to the
vehicle’s connectivity and infotainment features, including SYNC and the
Internet.

“Ford is all about making the journey from point A to point B a more
enjoyable and richer experience, with intuitive, easy-to-use controls and
voice-activated, hands-free operation,” said Jim Buczkowski, director of
Electronics Systems Engineering.

“We want to create a truly rich driving environment where there is no
compromise in connectivity — where everything you expect will be at your
fingertips or voice command, integrated into your drive with minimal
distraction,” he added.

Ford also announced a new partnership with leading electronics retailer
Best Buy, to help build SYNC awareness and provide tech support through its
Geek Squad.

“It’s through partnerships like Best Buy, Microsoft and countless others,”
said Mulally, “that we are building new roads, connecting more people than
ever, making connectivity technology affordable for millions, today and into
the future.”

Ford Selects INRIX to Power New Ford SYNC With Traffic, Directions and Information

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ — INRIX announced today that it has been
selected by the Ford Motor Company to enable the new Ford SYNC(TM) with
Traffic, Directions and Information (announced by Ford separately on
January 7th) featuring personalized driving content and technology from INRIX
Connected Services. The new Ford SYNC is the latest version of the award
winning fully-integrated, voice activated in-car communication and
entertainment system for your mobile phone and digital music player. New Ford
car and truck owners will benefit from the latest generation Ford SYNC in-car
connectivity platform with personalized voice-enabled traffic reports,
traffic-influenced turn-by-turn directions, and traffic alerts provided to
Ford, exclusively from INRIX. SYNC with Traffic Directions and Information
will be demonstrated at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this
week and will be available in the Spring of 2009.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060424/SFM077LOGO-b)

Using integrated GPS technology, Ford SYNC with Traffic, Directions and
Information connects consumers to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-
by-turn directions, business search, news, sports and weather. INRIX has also
developed and is hosting components of the Web site for Ford SYNC users at
http://www.syncmyride.com, where users can input preferences such as routing
destinations and alert requests to further personalize their Ford SYNC
experience.

“In SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information, we’re bringing to life
the vision for the ultimate in-car experience that integrates best-in-class
technology into the vehicle in a useful way. The personalized traffic,
directions, content and alerts that INRIX provides are critical to delivering
on that vision,” said Doug VanDagens, Director, Ford Connected Services
Organization, Ford Motor Company. “We collaborated closely on the design and
development of their connected services platform to meet Ford’s requirements.”

    INRIX Connected Services enhances the SYNC experience with:

    *  The introduction of the world's first 3rd Generation Routing Engine
       which uses both real-time and predictive traffic information to deliver
       true time-intelligent, traffic-influenced directions, taking the
       driving experience to a new level through smart routing and traffic
       congestion avoidance.
    *  The nation's broadest coverage and most accurate real-time traffic
       information leveraging the INRIX Traffic Fusion engine which
       intelligently blends real-time data from nearly a million GPS-enabled
       taxis, service vehicles, airport shuttle services and other commercial
       vehicles as well as consumer cellular GPS-based devices and traditional
       road sensor information.
    *  INRIX Total Fusion Traffic which provides speed information on more
       than 800,000 miles of roadways, including busy city streets and
       arterials, in addition to freeways and highways across the U.S.
    *  The new INRIX Alerting service which allows users to receive
       personalized traffic alerts delivered in the car via Web and voice-
       enabled user configuration.
    *  New location-aware, consumer-friendly access to traffic information,
       allowing SYNC users to get answers to questions such as "Traffic
       Ahead," "Fastest Route Home," and "Traffic Around Me," leveraging the
       new integrated GPS feature in new vehicles shipping with Ford SYNC.

“We are proud to partner with Ford to provide innovative solutions for the
latest-generation of SYNC,” commented Bryan Mistele, president and CEO of
INRIX. “Ford is at the forefront of enabling two-way connectivity in the car
and together with INRIX Connected Services, we will continue to ease commutes
and improve the driving experience all over the country, one car at a time.”

Ford SYNC owners will have access to a variety of features that leverage
traffic and navigation in their everyday life. Via a simple button click,
drivers will have instant voice access in SYNC-enabled cars to receive
personalized location-relevant traffic information, traffic conditions along
their most frequented routes and traffic-optimized directions along less
familiar routes. Using the intuitive SYNC voice interface, a driver can get
answers to questions like “what is traffic like between here and Las Vegas?”
and “what is the fastest route to work right now?” On Syncmyride.com, Ford
owners can also easily set up customized alerts for triggering real-time and
predictive traffic reports sent via SMS messages to their phones.

“With SYNC, Ford is once again delivering a compelling technology
breakthrough that showcases how auto OEMs can successfully differentiate to
win in today’s economy,” said Phil Magney, vice president, automotive
practice, iSuppli Corporation. “Tapping into SYNC’s unique approach to two-way
connectivity, INRIX adds tremendous value to the in-car experience for Ford
with its industry-leading traffic and directions.”

To enable the delivery of traffic speed maps on http://www.syncmyride.com
and accurate driving directions, INRIX partnered with Tele Atlas, a leading
global provider of digital maps and dynamic content for navigation and
location based solutions (LBS).

About Ford SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information

Ford SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information will be available on
most 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles starting in Spring, 2009. New
vehicle owners will receive a free three year subscription that features all
SYNC driver services including traffic, directions and information in addition
to the recently launched 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report services.

About INRIX

INRIX(R) is the leading provider of accurate real-time, historical and
predictive traffic information in North America and Europe, with 68 customers
and industry partners including Ford, TomTom, TeleNav, Networks in Motion,
MapQuest, Microsoft, Clear Channel Radio’s Total Traffic Network, I-95
Corridor Coalition, Tele Atlas, deCarta, ITIS Holdings, Mio, Navigon, TCS,
Telmap, ANWB, ARC Europe, and TNO. INRIX delivers the highest quality data and
broadest coverage available for personal navigation, mapping, telematics and
other location-based service applications in the car, online and on mobile
devices.

INRIX Traffic Services leverage sophisticated statistical analysis
techniques, originally developed by Microsoft Research, to aggregate and
enhance traffic-related information from hundreds of public and private
sources, including traditional road sensors and the company’s unique network
of nearly a million GPS-enabled vehicles and cellular probes. INRIX delivers
traffic information today for over 120 markets in North America and via ARC
Europe for 16 European countries. To experience the traffic technology
revolution behind the next generation of navigation and location-based service
applications, visit http://www.INRIX.com.

SYNC is a trademark of Ford Motor Company. INRIX is a registered trademark
of INRIX, Inc.

ATX Forms Strategic Partnership With Toyota to Launch U.S. Telematics Program

DALLAS-FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ — ATX Group, a leading
provider of telematics services to global automobile manufacturers, announced
today that it will partner with Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA, Inc., to deploy
Lexus Enform and Safety Connect, TMS’ all-new telematics platform.

ATX will provide multiple types of services including traditional
location-based crash and in-vehicle emergency button response, maintenance
reminders, and destination directions downloaded to the vehicle.

“ATX brings over a decade of experience launching a variety of successful
telematics platforms,” said Jon Bucci, vice president, Advanced Technology
Department, TMS. “ATX’s passion for telematics shows in their willingness to
meet our specific business needs as well as Toyota’s high standards for
personalized, customer care.”

For over a decade, ATX has developed and deployed telematics programs
primarily to serve vehicle manufacturers with high customer retention goals
and whose owners have high expectations for personalized customer service.
That heritage should prove valuable in meeting Toyota’s strict quality
assurance standards for customer service and technical performance as well as
helping to maintain the consistently high customer satisfaction ratings that
both Lexus and Toyota generate.

“While ATX has been associated with a number of industry ‘firsts’ and
‘bests,’ we foresee that our partnership with Toyota will make us even
better,” said Steve Millstein, president of ATX. “Toyota is a company that
strives to provide the best quality possible to its customers and believes in
doing things right from the start. This philosophy is the foundation of our
partnership.”

ABOUT TOYOTA:

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales,
distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion in the United
States, marketing products and services through a network of 1,422 Toyota,
Lexus and Scion dealers in 49 states. Established in 1957, TMS and its
subsidiaries also are involved in distribution logistics and motorsports. The
company’s main Web site is http://www.toyota.com.

ABOUT ATX:

With operations in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, and Dusseldorf, Germany, ATX
is one of the world’s leading providers of customized telematics services to
global automobile manufacturers. ATX services, among the first to be launched
in the consumer vehicle market back in 1996, are provided to vehicle owners
through the brand names of its customers: Toyota, Lexus, BMW, PSA Peugeot
Citroen, Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
Services by ATX provide enhanced safety, security and driving convenience to
vehicle owners, and include location-specific emergency and roadside
assistance, automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle recovery, remote
diagnostics, and real-time traffic and navigation assistance. ATX also
customizes services to help automobile manufacturers and their affiliated
dealerships use telematics data and multiple customer contact channels to
reduce costs, enhance vehicle servicing, and more closely manage customer
relationships and contacts with the vehicle through its lifetime. ATX is a
division of Cross Country Automotive Services (www.crosscountry-auto.com), a
leading provider of location-based automotive services.

For more information, visit www.atxg.com.

G-OIL(TM) Debuts at Daytona International Speedway in Kinetic Motorsports’ BMW M3

Kinetic Motorsports and Kinetic Sunbelt Engines Adopt Green Earth Technologies’ G-Oil(TM) As Their Officially Endorsed Race Oil

STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Green Earth Technologies (Pink Sheets: GETG) announced today that their G-OIL(TM) G-1 Racing Oil has completed extensive trials at Daytona International Raceway in Florida to establish the performance of their new motor oil products. Kinetic Motorsports and Kinetic Sunbelt Engines performed on-track race tests in their BMW M3 GS car (a race built version of a standard street-going BMW M3) to establish the oil’s operating parameters, and have concluded that G-OIL outperformed all the synthetic oils that they currently use. G-OIL will now be used in all Kinetic race cars for the upcoming Grand-Am Koni Sports Car Challenge later this month at the world famous NASCAR circuit in Daytona Florida.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090108/NY56827 )

Jim Thompson, Head of Kinetic Sunbelt Engines said, “During extensive testing of G-Oil in our race engines at Daytona, we have concluded that the oil not only possesses the basic characteristics that we demand in an engine oil, but it in fact outperformed all synthetic oils that we currently use. The durability and heat transfer capabilities of the oil were impressive with improvements in the range of 5-10% seen on the track. This, coupled with the reduced friction, created less wear and tear on the engine components. These characteristics held together exceptionally well during our rigorous testing on the track and translated to greater horsepower, torque and better fuel economy. We are very excited about these tests and look forward to beating out the competition while protecting the environment.”

“Consumers can now buy G-OIL(TM) with the confidence that you don’t have to sacrifice performance by buying green oil, as our racing oil is basically the same as G-OIL currently available at retail,” said Mathew Zuckerman, Ph.D., President and COO of Green Earth Technologies. “This is a major milestone for Green Earth Technologies and the ‘green’ auto industry, proving the success of our bio based G-OIL under the most severe racing conditions.”

The track testing reinforced the recent rigorous dyno testing that was performed by world renowned Roush Yates Engines in North Carolina. Roush Yates Engines are responsible for building and racing their own NASCAR entered cars along with supplying engines for all Ford powered Daytona Prototype cars in the Grand-Am Rolex Road Racing Series.

What makes G-OIL so unique is a proprietary ingredient and a patent pending system that supports the ingredient’s performance. The ingredient is called “Nano Geodesic Bearings”, aka “NGB.” These NGB’s are tiny spherical shaped particles that are comparable in size to the molecules that make-up the base material of Bio based oil. These particles are postulated to spin at almost unimaginable high speed to support adjacent oil molecules to squeeze more precious horsepower out of the engine: Truly nano-sized ball bearings.

G-OIL is the world’s “eco-friendly,” ultimate biodegradable motor oil. Unlike traditional petrochemical-based motor oils from leading manufacturers, Green Earth Technologies’ G-OIL is made with renewable animal fats. These saturated fats have no harsh effects on the environment. G-OIL G-1 Racing Oil will soon be available to professional and amateur racing enthusiasts alike at a variety of outlets including the www.getg.com .

ABOUT KINETIC MOTORSPORTS

Kinetic Motorsports is a subsidiary of Kinetic Group located in Buford, Georgia. Kinetic Group is comprised of Kinetic Speed Shop and Kinetic Sunbelt Engines. Kinetic Speed Shop is a Porsche and BMW street car performance shop. Kinetic Sunbelt Engines is a leading provider of race and championship winning BMW, Mazda and Porsche engines for club and professional teams throughout North America.

ABOUT GREEN EARTH TECHNOLOGIES

Green Earth Technologies produces G-branded superior performing totally green products made with American-grown base oils that utilize the power of nanotechnology to deliver environmentally friendly products with no compromise… meaning, consumers can now “do their part” without having to give up performance or value: Save the Earth – Sacrifice Nothing. The G-brand family of products include G-OIL(TM), G-LUBE(TM), G-WASH(TM), G-GLASS(TM), G-CLEAN(TM), G-SCENT(TM), G-WHEEL(TM), G-PROTECT(TM) and G-TIRE(TM), and are offered in a wide range of automotive categories including performance and appearance chemicals. GET products are now available at The Home Depot, Kroger, VIP, National Auto, Fred Meyer, participating ACE & True Value dealers, Redners, Trader Horns, The Andersons, Biggs, Bennett Auto, Frank’s Auto Supermarket and Amazon.com. Please visit www.getg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about GET and its brands.

Statements made in this release that relate to future plans, events, financial results or performance are forward-looking statements as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon current information and expectations. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated as a result of certain risks and uncertainties.

Commercial Vehicle Group Announces New Senior Credit Facility

NEW ALBANY, Ohio, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Commercial Vehicle
Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: CVGI) today announced it has entered into an asset based
Loan and Security Agreement (the “Credit Facility” or “ABL”) with Bank of
America, N.A. for $47.5 million. The Credit Facility is due January 2012 and
bears interest at LIBOR or Prime plus an applicable margin. The Company has
paid in full its borrowings under its previous senior credit agreement with
borrowings under the Credit Facility and will utilize the new Credit Facility
for ongoing operating and working capital requirements.

“Successfully completing a new financing arrangement in today’s economic
and credit environment speaks to our financial flexibility and positive
outlook for the future,” stated Chad M. Utrup, chief financial officer of
Commercial Vehicle Group. “The new ABL structure provides relief from recent
covenant compliance pressures under our previous senior credit agreement while
at the same time keeps our ongoing interest costs relatively unchanged,” added
Mr. Utrup.

The Credit Facility contains certain compliance requirements including
minimum operating performance targets and capital expenditure limitations
during the first year of the agreement and a fixed charge coverage ratio after
year one of the agreement.

The Company paid approximately $2.0 million in one-time financing fees and
related expenses for the Credit Facility and expects to amortize substantially
all of this cost over the three year life of the agreement. In addition, the
Company estimates it will incur a one-time non-cash charge of approximately
$0.8 million related to the unamortized portion of its previous senior credit
agreement which was scheduled to expire in 2010. The Company’s existing
$150.0 million 8.0% senior notes due in 2013 will not be affected by the new
ABL structure.

About Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.

Commercial Vehicle Group is a leading supplier of fully integrated system
solutions for the global commercial vehicle market, including the heavy-duty
truck market, the construction and agriculture market and the specialty and
military transportation markets. The Company’s products include suspension
seat systems, interior trim systems, such as instrument and door panels,
headliners, cabinetry, molded products and floor systems, cab structures and
components, mirrors, wiper systems, electronic wiring harness assemblies and
controls and switches specifically designed for applications in commercial
vehicle cabs. The Company is headquartered in New Albany, OH with operations
throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Information about the Company and
its products is available on the internet at www.cvgrp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to
risks and uncertainties. These statements often include words such as
“believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar
expressions. In particular, this press release may contain forward-looking
statements about Company estimates for future periods with respect to use of
proceeds, interest costs, financial covenants or other financial information.
These statements are based on certain assumptions that the Company has made in
light its experience in the industry as well as its perspective on historical
trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it
believes are appropriate under the circumstances. Actual results may differ
materially from the anticipated results because of certain risks and
uncertainties, including but not limited to: (i) the Company’s ability to
develop or successfully introduce new products; (ii) risks associated with
conducting business in foreign countries and currencies; (iii) general
economic or business conditions affecting the markets in which the Company
serves; (iv) increased competition in the heavy-duty truck market; (v) the
Company’s failure to complete or successfully integrate additional strategic
acquisitions; (vi) the impact of changes in governmental regulations on the
Company’s customers or on its business; (vii) the loss of business from a
major customer or the discontinuation of particular commercial vehicle
platforms; (viii) and various other risks as outlined under the heading “Risk
Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2007 and under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. There
can be no assurance that statements made in this press release relating to
future events will be achieved. The Company undertakes no obligation to
update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions,
the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results
over time. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements
attributable to the Company or persons acting on behalf of the Company are
expressly qualified in their entirety by such cautionary statements.

Visteon Brings Innovative Vehicle Solutions to Consumer Electronics Show

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Targeting the fast-changing world of consumer electronics, Visteon Corporation (NYSE: VC) is showcasing a variety of mobile electronics innovations – from in-vehicle digital television to the latest connectivity technologies – during this week’s 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO )

The event showcases Visteon’s breadth and capability in the area of cockpit electronics, as well as its ability to integrate mobile electronics into vehicles. Live demonstrations will enable visitors to experience Visteon’s next-generation in-car infotainment systems that create a gateway for consumer electronics into the vehicle. These innovations showcase two core strategies Visteon employs to offer vehicle manufacturers a fully scalable and upgradable platform: one, an open software framework that allows secure yet simple upgrades of the latest consumer interfaces; the other, a scalable hardware solution that contains a powerful microprocessor core with an open interface to allow additional enhancements. Also featured will be the latest in sensing and haptics technologies – defining new and exciting ways for vehicle occupants to interface with the vehicle.

Other technologies that Visteon is demonstrating include:

• Electronic solutions for emerging market vehicles
• Package-efficient integrated center control panels
• Leading-edge connectivity, comfort and passenger convenience solutions
• Full range of segment-differentiating audio head units
• Style-driven instrument clusters

Visteon’s exhibit is located in the Central Plaza, CP13, outside the Las Vegas Convention Center. CES runs through Sunday, Jan. 11.

Visteon Corporation is a leading global automotive supplier that designs, engineers and manufactures innovative climate, interior, electronic and lighting products for vehicle manufacturers, and also provides a range of products and services to aftermarket customers. With corporate offices in Van Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Kerpen, Germany; the company has facilities in 27 countries and employs approximately 35,500 people.

Visteon news releases, photographs and product specification details are available at www.visteon.com

Thresher Industries, Inc. Sets Goals to Expand Sales and Marketing in 2009

HANFORD, Calif., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Thresher Industries,
Inc. (OTC Pink Sheets: THRR), a California-based manufacturer of precision
aluminum and advanced metal matrix composite parts, is pleased to announce
that the Company has established goals to expand its sales and marketing
initiatives throughout the United States in the coming year. The Company will
seek sales representatives to promote its product, introduce its services to a
variety of new clients across several vertical markets, and focus on long-term
domestic growth for the Company.

During 2008, Thresher Industries signed an agreement with Advanced
Technology Sales Associates to be its global sales representative. Advanced
Technology, the sister company of Automotive Sales and Engineering Group will
represent Thresher Industries in the automotive, aerospace and electronics
industries in the Eastern United States and Europe. Under the agreement,
Advanced Technology will contract Automotive Sales and Engineering Group to
work on behalf of the Company in the automotive sector. Automotive Sales and
Engineering is an engineering sales organization that focuses on principal
revenue growth through the development of highly profitable niche and new
product markets in the automotive sector. Its customers include Visteon, Lear,
Automotive Components Holding Company, Ford Motor Company, American Axle,
Hutchinson and Magna.

The Company also received a purchase order from Alto Products Corporation
in Atmore, Alabama for engineering, tooling and parts to be used by Alto in
two of their transmission rebuild kits for Cadillac and BMW automobiles.
Thresher delivered the first shipment of parts to Alto’s engineering group in
September where they received initial dimensional approval and are undergoing
durability testing and testing in vehicle transmissions. The remainder of the
order is being completed and prepared for delivery to Alto.

Additionally, Thresher Industries plans to expand its business through the
purchase of two Toshiba 350 ton and one hi-bred 650 ton high pressure die
casting machine with a Wazniac high performance shot end and all support
equipment including efficient high volume melt / hold furnaces. The new work
cells will allow Thresher Industries to offer conventional die castings as
well as its metal matrix composite and high ductility aluminum in near net
configurations generating a projected increase in annual revenue of
approximately $15,000,000.

The high pressure die casting machines are used to produce metal parts for
a variety of purposes by injecting molten metal under high velocity into steel
molds using extreme pressure after the mold is filled making a high density
cast part. Thresher is also introducing a high volume vacuum during the
casting operation combined with a superior technology in extending tool life.
They can produce complex shapes with a high degree of accuracy and
repeatability.

“Over the past year our efforts have been on new customers and market
diversification. We are currently working closely with our sales organization
to complete work with our customers engineering groups and purchasing
departments to book this new business. Our goal, as we look toward 2009, is to
expand our market and take on additional orders for a wider base of clients,
offer a greater variety of products, and increase revenues for the Company,”
stated Tom Flessner, President and CEO of Thresher Industries.

About Thresher Industries:

Thresher Industries is a provider of aluminum and metal matrix composite
alloy castings. They provide a full range of casting capabilities, from
prototypes or low volume casting to permanent mold, low pressure and high
pressure castings. Engineered materials working from our extensive catalog of
alloys to materials engineered to meet the customers very specific need
without compromise. The company offers full engineering, metallurgical and
sales support as well as unique technologies such as our Nautilus Core system.

Statements contained in this news release, other than those identifying
historical facts, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning
of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Safe Harbor
provisions as contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. Such forward-looking statements relating to the Company’s future
expectations, including but not limited to revenues and earnings, technology
efficacy, strategies and plans, are subject to safe harbors protection. Actual
Company results and performance may be materially different from any future
results, performance, strategies, plans, or achievements that may be expressed
or implied by any such forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

    Contact:
    Thresher Industries, Inc.
    www.thresherindustries.com
    or Call
    Investor Relations
    + 1-866-THE-APPL(E)

American Axle & Manufacturing to Webcast and Teleconference Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2008 Financial Results on January 30, 2009

DETROIT, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — American Axle & Manufacturing
Holdings, Inc. (AAM), which is traded as AXL on the NYSE, will hold a briefing
with institutional investors and security analysts, news media representatives
and other interested parties at 10:00 a.m. ET on Friday, January 30, 2009.
AAM’s Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO Richard E. Dauch and Group Vice
President-Finance & CFO Michael K. Simonte will co-host the call. AAM will
discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2008 financial results as well as
other matters. This briefing may be accessed via conference call or webcast.

    To participate by phone, please dial:
    (877) 278-1452 from the United States
    (973) 200-3383 outside the United States
    Callers should ask to be connected to the American Axle & Manufacturing
    earnings conference call.

AAM will broadcast the briefing for the general public via a live audio
webcast that may be accessed through AAM’s investor web site at
http://investor.aam.com . AAM will post its fourth quarter 2008 financial
results at approximately 8:00 a.m. ET on Friday, January 30, 2009 in the News
Releases section of AAM’s website. Posted data will include a copy of the
press release discussing the results along with the financial statements.

A replay will be available from Noon ET on January 30, 2009 until 5:00
p.m. ETFebruary 6, 2009. To listen to the replay please dial:

    (800) 642-1687 from the United States
    (706) 645-9291 from outside the United States
    When prompted, callers should enter conference reservation number
    77289567.

The briefing audio will also be archived in the investor’s section of the
AAM website for one year.

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.

    For more information...
    Media relations contact              Investor relations contact
    Renee B. Rogers                      Jamie M. Little
    Manager, Corporate Communications    Director, Investor Relations
    and 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 .

Global Auto Execs Anticipate Significant Drop in Market Share for U.S. Manufacturers, But Expect Restructuring to Make U.S. OEMs More Efficient and Competitive, KPMG Survey Finds

Building alternative fuel cars and exploring emerging markets seen as chief opportunities

Execs continue to see significant rise in bankruptcies and M&A activity

DETROIT, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ — Global automotive execs expect a significant decline in market share for United States vehicle manufacturers but continue to see U.S. OEMs becoming more efficient and competitive in the near term, according to the 10th annual global automotive survey by KPMG LLP, the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm. Despite facing recessionary times and fighting overcapacity issues, automotive executives remain focused on manufacturing alternative fuel cars and the continued exploration of emerging markets for growth.

In the KPMG survey, based on interviews with 200 senior executives at vehicle manufacturers and suppliers worldwide, the executives, facing worldwide recessionary conditions had no read on profitability, with only 15 percent expecting profits to increase, 24 percent decline, and 46 percent indicating that profits are too volatile and unpredictable to forecast.

But in predicting market share winners over the next five years, they identified Toyota, Hyundai, Honda and Volkswagen as leaders, with General Motors, Ford and Chrysler on the low rung of market share expectations.

However, when asked if they felt U.S. OEMs were succeeding with their restructuring programs, for the second year in succession, the executives expressed that the OEMs are on a path to becoming more efficient and competitive. Fifty percent of the executives see the restructuring plans succeeding, with 43 percent neutral and six percent disagreeing. This is only somewhat lower than a year ago when 58 percent saw the OEMs succeeding and 10 percent disagreeing. And the majority, 57 percent, expect the restructuring to be completed before 2011, only somewhat down from 64 percent a year ago.

“Economic downturn aside, global execs remain fairly confident that U.S. OEMs are moving to a more competitive model,” said Gary Silberg, National Advisory Automotive Industry leader for KPMG LLP. “And they expect the restructuring to be completed in the near term.”

Having said that, Silberg cautions that the executives also see plenty of angst ahead. In fact, they see a dramatic increase in bankruptcies, with 77 percent seeing an increase in the next few years, up considerably from 36 percent a year ago. And also project significant increases in merger and alliance activity, especially with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. In fact, 75 percent of the execs see increases for OEMs, up substantially from 47 percent a year ago. “Merger and acquisition activity is being driven by potential for product synergies, access to new markets and customers and access to new technologies,” said KPMG’s Silberg. “And overcapacity continues to loom as an issue for the industry.”

As to overcapacity, on average across regions 83 percent of the execs surveyed by KPMG feel that it is an issue. Fifty-nine percent feel that capacity needs to be reduced by 11-20 percent, 20 percent by 1-10 percent and 21 percent of respondents say by more than 21 percent.

Despite market chaos, overcapacity, and declining profits, Silberg feels that the distractions of the recession “haven’t taken the executives’ eyes from capitalizing on new emerging market opportunities and from focusing on fuel technologies.” “There is a great deal of brainpower collectively being put into getting consumers into fuel efficient cars driven by new technologies,” he said.

The KPMG survey asked the executives to identify the chief opportunities for the auto industry now and for the next three years, and 21 percent said alternative fuel cars, 19 percent the exploration of new markets, 17 percent said fuel efficient cars and 16 percent said developing new technologies.

Other than China and India, the markets or regions expected to see the greatest growth of consumer demand in the next three years include Eastern Europe (up from 4 percent last year to 43 percent) and Central and South America (up to 29 percent from 4 percent last year).

In the KPMG survey, conducted during late September and October 2008, the 200 executives interviewed represented vehicle manufacturers and suppliers in Canada, United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden, India, China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Poland, Slovakia, Russia, Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland, South Africa and Australia. KPMG has released an annual survey of automotive executives expressing their views on the state of the industry since 1999.

KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory firm (http://www.us.kpmg.com), is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International. KPMG International’s member firms have 123,000 professionals, including more than 7,100 partners, in 145 countries.

    Contacts:   Kevin Beagley/Manuel Goncalves
                KPMG LLP
                Tel: (312) 665-5010/(201) 307-7735
                kbeagley@kpmg.com/
                mdgoncalves@kpmg.com