ASC to Introduce World's First 'Full-open' SUV Convertible System

Part of 'An Entire Showroom' of Five Market-ready Models to be Shown at Auto Show in Detroit

SOUTHGATE, Mich., Dec. 13 -- ASC Incorporated, a full-service specialty-vehicle design and development partner for automotive manufacturers, today unveiled a design sketch of the ASC Freedom, a sport-utility vehicle featuring the world's first bi-directional, infinitely adjustable convertible- top system for SUVs. The fully engineered prototype vehicle will make its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on January 9, 2005, at 8:30 a.m. at a press conference inside ASC's booth in Michigan Hall at NAIAS.

The Freedom's patent-pending top system features unique folding fabric panels and other innovations to create a "wide-open" open-air experience for SUV occupants, with the added benefit of increased utility in the rear compartment when the top system is moved forward on the vehicle. These innovations and others were the result of market-research and engineering efforts at ASC's technical center here.

"ASC will be showing off an entire showroom of market-ready models at this year's auto show in Detroit -- five complete new vehicles in total," said Paul Wilbur, ASC's president and chief executive officer. "Our objective for ASC's introductions at this year's show was to create new concepts that are actually market-ready prototypes, with significant engineering feasibility already accomplished, such that actual OEM production versions could be brought to market in 24 months or less."

ASC's award-winning programs include vehicle development and sub-assembly of the Chevrolet SSR (winner of a "Gold" award in the 2004 Industrial Design Excellence Awards, or IDEA, competition sponsored by Business Week magazine); convertible systems for the Toyota Solara and Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder; and numerous appearance programs and body packages for such products as the Dodge SRT-4, Dodge Viper SRT-10 and Pontiac Grand Am SC/T. Founded in 1965 and headquartered in Southgate, Mich., the company employs more than 1,000 car nuts at 10 facilities in the U.S. and Germany, and is on the Web at http://www.ascglobal.com/ .