The Planning Edge, Inc. Announces New Automotive Forecasting Services

    Alan L. Baum Named Director, Automotive Forecasting at The Planning Edge

    FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Jan. 23 Today The Planning Edge,
Inc. announced the appointment of Alan L. Baum to the newly created position
of Director, Automotive Forecasting.  Previously, Alan was a Vice President at
IRN, Inc. where he was responsible for the development, publication and
servicing of their automotive forecast.
    In a joint statement Managing Partners Michael L. Schmall and Kathleen K.
Rizk noted that the automotive supplier and original equipment manufacturer
community had long requested that TPE develop a forecasting module.  They
stated that, "TPE's forecasting service will uphold the strong reputation that
we have built within the industry, will be of the premier quality and will
always include the highest level of customer service and support."
    TPE will announce details of its new forecasting service as well as prices
in the near future.  The company promises that their forecasting products will
contain several unique and valuable features.  The company will offer both
syndicated and proprietary forecasting services.
    The syndicated portion of TPE's forecasting services is the organization's
second syndicated product practice area.  The company has received
international attention for its annual syndicated Supplier Branding Study (the
SBS 2000 was released in August 2000).
    The Planning Edge is an analysis and consulting firm located in Farmington
Hills, Michigan.  The organization specializes in automotive related work with
a strong emphasis on consumer proprietary projects that focus on automotive
branding, new component and system technologies, advanced business practices,
vehicle feature optimization and consumer attitudes.