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CARSTAR's Founder Named Chairman of CCAR(R)

17 March 2000

CARSTAR's Founder Named Chairman of CCAR(R)

     Lirel Holt Expands His Role with the Repair Industry's Authority On
                             Environmental Issues


    OVERLAND PARK, Kan., March 17 CARSTAR, the nation's
largest collision repair organization, announces that Vice Chairman and
Founder Lirel Holt will be named as chairman of the board for the Coordinating
Committee for Automotive Repair (CCAR(R)) on April 25, 2000.  Holt has served
on the CCAR(R) board for four years.
    CCAR(R) is a not-for-profit organization that coordinates education and
training initiatives for automotive technicians, provides environmental
compliance information, and develops programs aimed to enhance the image of
the automotive field.
    "I'm pleased to represent CARSTAR through my expanded role with CCAR(R),
the leading authority on meeting today's environmental challenges within the
automotive industry," Holt said.  "I look forward to further contributing to
the organization's success in assisting shop owners to take more
responsibility in protecting the environment.  CCAR(R) has enabled automotive
participants to monitor themselves in meeting compliance standards along with
outside agencies such as the EPA and OSHA."
    Holt adds that much of the self-regulation is achieved through CCAR(R)'s
distribution of free environmental compliance information delivered in
simplified, plain English terms via Internet, phone or fax.
    In addition to CARSTAR, the CCAR(R) Board is represented by Guy Bargnes,
BASF Corporation; Rich Davis, Car Care Council; Mike DeSorbo, CARQUEST; Don
Gray, Automotive Youth Educational Systems; Larry Hecker, Motorist Assurance
Program; Dick Laimbeer, Motor Information Systems; Lin Peacock, National
Automotive Dealers Association; John Prosser, American Honda; Pat
Schwallie-Giddis, CORD; Barry Soltz, Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association;
and Tyler Wilson, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association.
    Based in Overland Park, Kan., CCAR(R) was formally established in 1994
through the efforts of representatives from 35 national trade associations and
professional societies representing all sectors of the automotive service and
repair industry.  Currently, CCAR(R) is made up of nearly 200-affiliate
organizations that are engaged in and/or serve the automotive industry.
    Founded in 1989, CARSTAR is the nation's largest collision repair
organization with 250 locations across North America.  The CARSTAR family of
franchises and company-owned facilities generates annual revenue in excess of
$300 million.  Their repair work is backed by the only nationwide warranty in
the industry and is further supported by an average customer-satisfaction
rating of 95 percent.  CARSTAR's headquarters are located in Overland Park,
Kan.

    CONTACT:  Leanne Revels of CARSTAR, Inc., 913-451-1294; or Robyn Kendrick
of CCAR, 913-498-2227.