CSM Unveils North American Auto Production Outlook

    DETROIT, Aug. 17 CSM Worldwide announced their forecast
for 2001 North American automotive production at their recent quarterly client
briefing.  Presentations included a North American Economic Outlook by CSM
Chief Economist Bob Fish, and a North American Production Outlook by CSM
Director of Forecast Services Michael Robinet.
 
   Key findings of the presentations included:

    *  NAFTA production of light vehicles at DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General
Motors is forecast to be down 11 percent for 2001 as they continue to lose
market share, pull from inventory and are forced to amend long-term production
patterns.  Total 2001 light vehicle production is forecast to decline to 15.7
million units, down 9 percent from the prior year.

    *  Despite a NAFTA light vehicle sales market, which is slated to be down
almost 4 percent this year to 19.1 million units, non-Big Three OEM output
will remain stable for 2001 and is predicted to rise 7 percent in 2002.

    *  The continuing expansion of both the robust middle class and the outer
edge of suburbia will continue to feed demand for new vehicles.

    *  Mexico will be the regional winner in NAFTA for future vehicle
production, reaching over 12 percent of total NAFTA production by 2006.