Driver Distraction/Telematics Safety are Keynote Topics At Global Auto Safety Conference

                   The Society of Plastics Engineers Hosts
              Second Annual Global Automotive Safety Conference

    DETROIT, Jan. 29 Auto safety experts will discuss the
implications of driver distraction and telematics applications on auto safety
at the Society of Plastics Engineers' (SPE) Global Automotive Safety
Conference from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, February 5, at the Michigan State
University Management Education Center in Troy, Michigan.  On Tuesday,
February 6, an SPE tour of the University of Michigan Trauma Center in Ann
Arbor will be sponsored by DaimlerChrysler.
    "The tremendous growth of cell phone usage, e-mail, entertainment and
wireless applications in vehicles are reaching record levels, as regulators
struggle to determine how and if these electronic devices should be controlled
or even banned in vehicles," said James Cole, Driver Distraction Chairman for
the program.  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officials
will discuss driver distraction and a new program for on-board electronics and
driver performance evaluation.
    Automotive suppliers will present safety features and applications of
wireless devices to improve on-board safety in the wired world.
    Key Wireless and Telematics Presentations will be made by: Karenann
Terrell, Director e-Business, DaimlerChrysler, OEM Perspective of Driver
Distraction; Mike Miller, Advanced Telematics Research Manager, Visteon,
Telematics and Safety; Dr. Paul Green, Senior Research Scientist, UMTRI,
Safeguards for On-Board Wireless Communications; and Keith Brewer, Director of
Human Centered Research, NHTSA, The National Advanced Driving Simulator.
    Consumer safety concerns, particularly vehicle roll over, tire safety and
driver distraction, will be on the top agenda of auto industry and government
experts at the Global Automotive Safety Conference.  The two-day event will
include 20 cutting-edge presentations from automotive safety experts and a VIP
panel of industry executives.  Topics include advanced airbags, head, side and
rear vehicle impact, child safety and advances in future vehicle safety.
    In addition, an exhibit area will feature the latest displays in safety
advancements and new safety component technology.
    Suzanne Cole, an automotive industry safety expert and chairman of the
Global Automotive Safety Conference stated,  "This is a premiere global
conference which brings together executives from industry, academia and
government to discuss advancements in automotive safety and understand how new
government regulations will change the way vehicles are designed."
    "Our research indicates that consumers are purchasing vehicles based upon
their safety record and advanced safety features.  Consumers are demanding
safer vehicles in all product categories and manufacturers are recognizing
that those concerns are one of the key components in establishing vehicle
brand identity," said Suzanne Cole.
    Speakers include, Robert Lange, Director of Automotive Safety, General
Motors; William Walsh, Associate Administrator, NHTSA; Brian O'Neill,
President, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; Dr. Ricardo Martinez M.D.,
NHTSA Administrator 1994-1999; Joseph M. Gingo, Senior Vice President,
Technology and Global Products Planning, Goodyear; Dr. Stewart Wang MD, PhD,
Director, University of Michigan Trauma Center; Craig Winn, President of
Magna, SteyrSymatec; Tom Moore, Vice President, Liberty and Technical Affairs,
DaimlerChrysler; Martin Dawson, Vice President Polyurethanes, Bayer
Corporation; Luis Lorenzo, Vice President Engineering, Dow Automotive; David
Westgate, CEO of Inergy; Cynthia Arnold, President, EXATEC; and several
others.
    The VIP panel discussion will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. featuring panel
moderator Mr. Lindsey Brooke, Editor in Chief of Automotive Industries
Magazine with a press conference from 6 to 6:30 p.m.
    The SPE Global Automotive Safety Conference is an opportunity for
engineering, marketing, sales and policy professionals at vehicle
manufacturers and suppliers to interact with industry executives and top
global safety experts.
    To purchase tickets, contact Pat Levine, American Plastics Council,
248-244-8993, or e-mail, spe@ameriplas.org .
    Registration is limited to the first 300 people.
    The second day of the conference is limited to the first 50 registrants.

    CONTACT:  Suzanne Cole, Conference Chairman of Society of Plastics
Engineers, 810-750-3863, or Coleauto@tir.com