Prestigious Credential for Suppliers - 2005 Automotive News PACE Award Accepting Applications

DETROIT, July 21 -- Automotive suppliers seeking a competitive edge can demonstrate industry excellence with a 2005 Automotive News PACE Award. Applications for the 11th annual program, recognizing innovation, technological advancement and business performance, are being accepted through Sept. 3, 2004.

Open to suppliers that contribute products, processes, materials or services directly to the manufacture of cars or trucks, the prestigious PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Award is presented by Automotive News, Capgemini and Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC Inc.).

The Automotive News PACE Award is recognized around the world as the industry symbol of innovation. While finalists and honorable mention awardees reap a noteworthy level of distinction and recognition, the application process itself is a valuable opportunity for companies to analyze and improve operations and relationships with key constituents.

The 2005 Automotive News PACE Award features competition in four categories:

Product - Innovations in new products or services or in new product and service development and introduction processes that have significant market impact and act as "game changers" in the automotive industry.

Product-Europe - As above, but innovations are developed/first commercialized in Europe.

Information Technology and Services, Manufacturing Process and Capital Equipment - Applications in the IT category highlight game-changing innovations in the design and implementation of information systems solutions that enable companies to improve operational performance or delivery of services. Applicants can be parts suppliers, service suppliers or IT companies. Applications in Manufacturing Process and Capital Equipment may be innovations involving game-changing processes (manufacturing or business) or innovative capital equipment that supports the automotive supply chain or manufacturing processes.

Open - Innovations in other areas of the automotive supplier industry that cannot be classified into the categories identified above, or are reclassified at the judges' discretion. Past entries have included human resources and sales and marketing.

Following an extensive review process of all finalists, including site visits, 2005 Automotive News PACE Award winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in Detroit April 11, 2005.

For complete information and an application, visit http://www.automotivenews.com/pace , http://www.us.capgemini.com/PACE or http://www.trcpg.com/pace.htm or call 313-446-6039. Application fee is $995. The PACE Awards are open to entry submissions through Sept. 3, 2004.