J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Jeff Schuster Tapped to Lead Global Forecasting Department; Dr. Wynn ``Van'' Bussmann to Retire in April

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.--March 9, 2004--J.D. Power and Associates has selected Jeff Schuster to lead its Automotive Global Forecasting Services Department at the firm's Troy, Mich., office.

Schuster, who was recently promoted to senior director of North American Forecasting, has been with J.D. Power and Associates since 1996. In his new position, Schuster replaces Dr. Wynn "Van" Bussmann, who retires April 3. Bussmann, who has led Global Forecasting since joining the firm in July 2001, will be on a retainer and serve as an advisor for the forecasting business for the balance of the year.

Schuster leads a department of more than 20 analysts, economists and automotive forecasting experts who specialize in economic and industry analysis, vehicle production and sales forecasts, engine/transmission and component reports and future technologies forecasts, as well as customized proprietary services.

"We are delighted that Jeff is assuming responsibility for our core automotive forecasting business," said Harold Krivan, senior partner and executive vice president of J.D. Power and Associates. "Jeff knows the automotive forecasting business and is well-respected in the industry.

"Van's incisive economic commentary, industry involvement and wit will be missed. We wish him well as he devotes his energies toward his passion for sailing."

With its unmatched databases that include millions of consumers' attitudes and preferences, as well as background data on world economies, automotive products and companies, J.D. Power and Associates' forecasting abilities provide a unique strategic position from which to evaluate global auto industry trends.

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. Media e-mail contact: michael.greywitt@jdpa.com or john.tews@jdpa.com

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