Ford Tier Suppliers Kick-off 2004 F-Series Chassis Suspension Production

TROY, Mich.--Aug. 5, 2003--Altair Engineering, a global leader in product design consulting, engineering software and high-performance computing technology, today joins Detroit Chassis L.L.C. in the production launch of the newly designed suspension for the F-Series Super Duty Class A motorhome chassis.

At a brief ceremony held this morning at Detroit Chassis L.L.C. where the chassis is assembled, program management and engineering team representatives from Ford, Altair and Detroit Chassis watched as the first chassis destined for 2004 motorhomes rolled off the assembly line.

"Detroit Chassis is delighted to recognize our entire team for bringing this program to Job 1 on time, on target and within budget," said Michael Guthrie, president and CEO.

As a Tier I global engineering service supplier to Ford, Altair Engineering supported the design and release of the new suspension system and has been assisting the company's F-Series motorhome chassis team on a variety of projects since 1999.

For the 2004 F-Series chassis suspension, the Altair chassis design team employed a variety of engineering simulation technologies to address the suspension and steering characteristics for improved ride and handling. In developing these designs, a low cost/low volume strategy was achieved by efficient project management, utilization of the latest engineering tools and efficient communication with parts suppliers.

About Detroit Chassis L.L.C.

Detroit Chassis is a subsidiary of Spectra LMP LLC. Spectra also owns Magnys LLC, a provider of process and manufacturing engineering services, Forward Vision LLC, a provider of computer simulation and modeling services, and TruPac Logistics, a provider of manufacturing support services such as inventory management, repacking and kitting. Detroit Chassis has successfully demonstrated lean high-quality complex manufacturing capabilities at an inner city, United Auto Workers plant. The company employs approximately 250 workers at its 218,000 square-foot facility. The plant is ISO-9001 and QS-9000 certified. Its manufacturing capabilities include rolling chassis assembly; vehicle systems sub-assembly; total vehicle assembly and a variety of complex assemblies.

Detroit Chassis has assembled F53 motor home chassis since its plant opened in 1999. The firm has also produced chassis for a right hand drive United States Postal Service delivery vehicle, and handled total assembly of Ford's Think Neighbor electric vehicle. As a result of Detroit Chassis' accomplishments, its owners Michael and Carlton Guthrie were recently recognized by Eastern Michigan Ernst & Young's 2003 Entrepreneur of the Year award program and were selected winners in the Emerging Entrepreneur classification.

About Altair Engineering

Through consulting, engineering software, and high performance computing technologies, Altair Engineering increases innovation for more than 1,300 clients around the globe. Founded in 1985, Altair's unparalleled knowledge and expertise in product development and manufacturing extend throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Altair specializes in the development of high-end, open CAE software solutions for modeling, visualization, optimization and process automation. For more information, visit Altair at www.altair.com.

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