SAE International Launches Exciting New Service for Automotive Industry

DETROIT, March 8 -- SAE International announced today the launch of a significant new automotive service, Automotive Resources Institute (ARi). Led by Neil Schilke, managing director and Herb Everss, director, business development, ARi is an organization dedicated to working with the automotive industry. ARi provides engineering and business consultants, speakers and teachers to help craft solutions to challenges identified by the automotive industry. The announcement was made during a press conference at the 2004 SAE World Congress.

"We've noticed the automotive industry forming a talented pool of professionals through retirements, layoffs and downsizing. These activities have created a large resource gap of automotive experience," said Schilke. "ARi bridges the gap between untapped professionals and industry needs by creating mutually beneficial relationships."

What sets ARi apart from similar organizations in the industry, is that ARi's approach streamlines the search process by taking the guesswork out of choosing the right consultant. ARi is automotive focused with the full support of SAE International. ARi's qualified consultants have a broad spectrum of expertise ranging from technical and corporate management to design and product engineering.

ARi also has assembled an Advisory Council comprised of top automotive industry leaders, ensuring ARi works with the latest automotive information and trends. ARi Advisory Council members:

  Dr. Andrew Brown, Jr. (Delphi)
  Dr. David Cole (Center for Automotive Research)
  Mr. Neil DeKoker (OESA)
  Mr. J Ferron (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
  Mr. Mark Johnson (General Motors)
  Mr. Jan Kowal (Brose North America)
  Mr. William Kozyra (Continental Teves)
  Mr. Michael Madley (Cloyes Gear & Products)
  Mr. Robert Mull (Ford)
  Mr. Robert Oswald (Bendix)
  Mr. Richard Schaum (DaimlerChrysler, retired)
  Mr. Robert Strazzella (Valeo Group)

"ARi continues to add value to SAE members by offering them a way to extend their careers and continue to share their knowledge," said Ray Morris, executive vice president and COO, SAE International. "ARI provides value and benefit by harnessing the collective experience and leadership of top executives and connecting them to solve issues in the industry."

Located at SAE Automotive Headquarters in Troy, Mich., the Society of Automotive Engineer's ARi is an exclusive insider community of automotive leaders and experts assisting the global automotive industry in resolving specific technical and business challenges. ARi offers a select group of pre- screened, registered consultants with a broad spectrum of expertise that provide project matched talent and process-oriented, custom-tailored solutions.

For additional information on services, or to become a registered consultant, please visit www.ari.sae.org .