Detroit Auto Show: "Behind the Exhibits"

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 6, 2003; This year, the North American
International Auto Show demonstrates the automotive industry's ability to
produce a consumer experience that is among the most powerful in the world.
More than any other industry, the automotive sector has fully recognized the
value of experience marketing, and at NAIAS each year, automakers have debuted
not only the newest vehicles, but the latest and greatest brand experiences.
For more than 90 years, top automakers have turned to The George P. Johnson
Co. (GPJ) to create the integrated auto show exhibitions and experiences that
move consumer preference, designing and building many of the NAIAS displays
each year.
    During the first two weeks of January 2003, the world's largest automakers
will converge upon Detroit's Cobo Center to introduce thousands of consumers
to their latest vehicle offerings and plans for the future models.  With new
brand identities and exciting exhibits coming from the likes of Chrysler,
Saturn, Honda and more, GPJ predicts that the 2003 gathering will set a new
benchmark for innovative architecture and three dimensional design.
    "This promises to be the hottest auto show in 90 years," said GPJ CEO
Robert G. Vallee, Jr.  "Visitors will experience a remarkable collaboration
and a world-class event that provides some of the most compelling new
automotive brand experiences ever."

    The George P. Johnson Top Seven Peak Experiences
    Not to be missed are the following seven exhibits, which represent some of
the newest brand experiences and greatest feats of auto show design and
engineering ever.

    The Chrysler Group - Brand execution on a grand scale
    Chrysler's massive two-story exhibit architecture will follow the
curvilinear design of its 2004 Crossfire sports coupe, featuring a significant
multimedia presence in its time-continuum theme.  Jeep's display will be
divided into three thematic areas -- challenge, play and rescue -- with each
section flowing along like the topographical lines of a map, culminating in
mountains reaching 25-feet tall.

    Saturn - Simple lines with a comforting feel
    In the 8,500 square foot booth, attendees will enter through one of four
Saturn vehicles arranged as entrances to the center of the display.  Located
at the core of the booth will be two, double-sided LED video walls moving
asynchronously on huge turntables.

    Toyota - Ascending Mt. Everest
    Building on its 36-year relationship with Toyota, GPJ designed the
environmentally-themed concept for the exhibit, incorporating more than 350
feet of LED video screens with specialized product messages in each zone.  As
part of the marketing support for the 4-Runner launch, GPJ will manage cross-
promotion with CNN and the Outdoor Life Network that will include multiple
plasma screens displaying international weather conditions and previews of
Toyota's "great adventures" reality-based adventure program.

    Lexus - Defining luxury
    To highlight Lexus' model line, GPJ designed multiple platforms for each
vehicle accentuated by a waterfall feature within its 2,500 square feet.  The
display will also feature the Lexus Technology Cafe with web terminals and
personal digital assistant (PDA) download access for vehicle information and
electronic press kit materials.

    Honda - The power of dreams
    Honda's "Power of Dreams" area will feature products from each division.
The exhibit speaks to Honda's brand image:  practical, family, fun, and well
balanced.  The exhibit will also feature an accessible turntable for the new
Element with LED choreographed motion-lighting secured in the flooring and
column.

    Acura - Innovation, technology and performance
    The three key attributes of the Acura line are the cornerstone of its
display: innovation, technology and performance.  The 120'x79' exhibit will
feature an 85' weave wall with 15 plasma screens featuring motion graphics.
An interactive area of the exhibit will highlight Acura's interactive network,
color and trim and its navigational display.

    Nissan and Infiniti - Branded architecture for the future
    The Nissan Corporate display space will emphasize the individuality of
each brand, while still communicating the natural linkage between the two.  A
dramatic backdrop in the Nissan space is composed of white metal and stainless
steel panels and a large LED video wall will communicate Nissan's renewed
commitment to design, performance and technology.  As visitors travel to the
Infiniti space, a stunning, fully illuminated wall surrounds the product line.
As portrayed in its current print and television advertising, the display
focuses on the luxurious elements of the car's interiors.

    In addition to the exhibits detailed above, GPJ's work also can be seen at
the General Motors, Saab, Audi, Lamborghini, SCION and BMW exhibits.  General
construction of the show began in early November at Detroit's Cobo Center and
will be completed for official press preview days, Sunday, January 5 -
Tuesday, January 7, 2003.  The show opens for the public on Saturday, January
11 and runs through Monday, January 20, 2003.
    GPJ has managed live events for the automakers since its founder George P.
Johnson helped to create one of the first Detroit Auto Shows in 1910.  Since
then, the company has been at the forefront of show innovations by executing
some of the most remarkable experiences on auto show floors, including the
introduction of the Jeep Cherokee driven by former chairman Robert Lutz and
Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer through a plate of faux glass; the "world's
largest backpack" used to introduce the Nissan Xterra; the live acrobatic
troupe, Artistry in Motion, who effectively brought the Chrysler brands to
life in 2000, 2001 and 2002, and the two-story Jeep Waterfall, which spelled
out key Jeep brand messages through a highly innovative technology
application.

    About George P. Johnson (http://www.gpjco.com )
    Established in 1914, GPJ is a leading provider of global event marketing
solutions, helping clients forge better customer relationships through
strategic marketing integration, creative brand experiences, events and
exhibits.  GPJ has full-scale production facilities in Auburn Hills, Mich.;
Torrance, Calif.; and Stuttgart, Germany, as well as marketing offices in
Boston, and San Jose, and international operations in London, Milan, Paris,
Tokyo, Beijing, Singapore, Sydney, and India.