Intier Automotive Enters Agreement With Toyoda Gosei to Introduce PUR-FECT Skin to Asian Automakers

NEWMARKET, Ontario, Aug. 12, 2003 -- Intier Automotive Inc. announced today it has granted a license to automotive supplier Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd. to manufacture and offer PUR-FECT(TM) Skin technology on interior trim applications. The first use of PUR-FECT Skin by Toyoda Gosei will be for an instrument panel on a future vehicle to be built in Japan.

According to Thomas Apostolos, president of Intier Automotive's Interiors Group, "The agreement enhances our ability to compete for global quote opportunities, and also creates an avenue for us to provide new technologies to common global platforms."

The two companies have launched activities for transferring the manufacturing knowledge and process know-how required for PUR-FECT Skin. The technology, a polyurethane spray outer skin for instrument panels, door trim and floor consoles, provides automakers with a durable and cost-effective alternative to PVC. It produces a superb tactile feel with excellent grain reproduction. As an interior trim application, it provides superior heat- and light-stability characteristics. The versatility of the manufacturing process allows multi-tone color applications with no post-painting requirements. The technology is currently used on the interior of the Cadillac CTS, Buick Park Avenue and Oldsmobile Aurora, and is scheduled for many other future vehicle applications.

"We're pleased to be working with Intier, a company known for interior innovation," said an official at Toyoda Gosei. "The time is right for PUR- FECT Skin in the Asian market: it's a proven winner in North America and it significantly expands the soft interior trim capabilities currently available."

Global Toyoda Gosei, with headquarters in Nagoya, Japan, and Troy, Michigan, U.S.A., is a world-class supplier to the automotive industry. Toyoda Gosei's five product categories include: Sealing Systems, Interior / Exterior Systems, Optoelectronics, Fuel Systems / Functional Parts and Safety Systems. The TG Group employs over 12,000 people and has 47 manufacturing, technical and sales facilities located in 12 countries around the world.

Intier Automotive is an innovative leader in the development and manufacture of vehicle interior and closure components and systems for the global automotive industry. The Company's capabilities are among the most diversified in the industry, ranging from the understanding of end consumers' needs and wants, through market and consumer research, concept development, design and engineering, testing and validation and finally the manufacture of interior and closure systems. Intier is also a leader in vehicle interior integration and program management. Product expertise includes cockpit modules, modular doors and panels, complete seat systems and liftgates and electro-mechanical systems. Intier has approximately 22,000 employees at 65 manufacturing facilities, 17 product development, engineering and testing centers and 13 sales offices throughout North America, Europe, Brazil and Asia Pacific.