The Dearborn Auto Company Realigns North American Structure For Aston Martin, Jaguar And Land Rover

IRVINE, Calif., June 13 -- Following the consolidation of the three British marques within the Premier Automotive Group in September 2001, Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover has taken some additional steps to realign its organizational structure in North America. Included in the announcement are the appointments of Richard Beattie and Steve McKnight to new executive positions, the elimination of the General Manager positions, and that Sue Callaway has elected to leave the organization.

"We have built a strong organization in a very short space of time here in North America," said Mike O'Driscoll, President, Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover North America. "All three marques grew by over 75% in the first quarter of 2002 and we need to ensure that we have an organization that is structured to continue this aggressive growth."

"I also want to thank Sue Callaway for her contribution to this organization. She has been a great product and marketing asset, has lead us through successive monthly sales increases for the Jaguar marque and been a significant contributor to our overall growth in this market, " said Mike O'Driscoll.

"Successfully launching the X-TYPE and new S-TYPE, and expanding Jaguar's presence in North America has been extremely rewarding," said Callaway. "Now that the role of General Manager is being eliminated, I feel that it is the right time for me to pursue other opportunities. I'll always have great passion for the marque and I wish the new organization and PAG continued success in the future."

Announced today and effective immediately, are two key executive appointments. Richard Beattie is appointed Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Jaguar Land Rover, reporting to Mike O'Driscoll. Beattie was previously Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service at Lincoln Mercury. In this new role, Beattie will have responsibility for sales and marketing activities for Jaguar and Land Rover. Steve McKnight, currently Vice President and General Manager Land Rover North America is appointed to the position of Vice President, Remarketing and Distribution, Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover, reporting to O'Driscoll. Neither General Manager position at Jaguar or Land Rover will be replaced and instead, the respective vice presidents for marketing will now report directly to Beattie on all matters relating to their marque.

"This realignment of our structure reinforces important elements to the future growth of our business," said Mike O'Driscoll. "The appointment of both Richard and Steve to their new respective positions strengthens our team at a critical time in our growth in North America. We have set aggressive targets for our future growth and these two positions will be central to delivering those commitments".

Also announced today is the appointment of George Ayres to the position of Vice President, Marketing, Jaguar North America. Ayres replaces Michelle Cervantez, who was appointed to a new position at Ford Motor Company last month.

Ayres was previously Manager, Business Strategy for Jaguar North America, and prior to that has served in a variety of sales and marketing functions at Jaguar in the UK as well as Ford Motor Company in the US.

These changes result in the following new structure for Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover North America. Reporting directly to Mike O'Driscoll:

Vic Bernardini President, Canadian Operations Richard Beattie Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing Geoff Cousins Chief Financial Officer, Premier Automotive Group NA* Sally Eastwood Vice President, Franchise Operations Marcello Leite President, Mexican Operations Mary Magrino Director, Information Technology, Premier Automotive Group NA* Steve McKnight Vice President, Remarketing and Distribution Mark Redman Counsel** Simon Sproule Vice President, Communications & Marketing Services Gary Temple Vice President, Customer Care John Walton Vice President & General Manager, Aston Martin Kathy Weilbacker Manager, Human Resources

* Also reports to Vic Doolan, President, Volvo Cars North America and Dan Werbin, Executive Director, Premier Automotive Group North America ** Also reports to John Harris, Assistant General Counsel, Ford Motor Company

Reporting directly to Richard Beattie:

Jon Williams Vice President, Marketing, Land Rover George Ayres Vice President, Marketing, Jaguar Doug Speck Vice President, Retail Operations