PRIMEDIA Announces Acquisition of VNU'S Auto Interiors Exposition & Conference

SOUTHFIELD, Mich.--April 7, 2005--PRIMEDIA today announced the acquisition of the Auto Interiors Exposition & Conference from VNU. The Show, now in its 12th year, is the only event of its kind focusing on auto interior components and the future of automotive interiors. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition of VNU's Auto Interiors is part of PRIMEDIA's strategy to grow its leading franchises and leverage the Ward's brand and expertise established through Wards' offerings to the auto industry including Ward's AutoWorld, Ward's Auto Electronics and WardsAuto.com. For nearly eight decades, these brands have secured their status as market-leading publications, services and as a voice of authority on all things related to automotive products.

"Both the auto interiors and exhibition industries have great momentum behind this show and it presented a terrific opportunity to round out the Ward's brand with a vital, one-of-a-kind industry event," said Tom Duncan, group publisher of Ward's. "We continue to seek out new ways to connect our high performance brands to an engaged audience."

"We see great potential in integrating this event into the Ward's franchise and creating a new platform to expand the brand's visibility and significance," said Margaret Pederson, president of PRIMEDIA Business Exhibitions.

In addition to the exposition, which includes leading suppliers on the forefront of the automotive industry, the Auto Interiors Show also offers an innovative two-day conference tailored to meet the needs of design engineers and other professionals in the industry. Awards for this year's best auto interiors will also be presented during the Show. Nominees are selected by a panel of experts and the winners are chosen by industry professionals.

"Ward's has been media sponsor of the Auto Interiors Show during the past three years, and the close working relationship between our firms ensures a smooth transition as well as a successful future for the Auto Interiors event," said Doug Hope, group vice president, VNU Expositions.

Those interested in attending the event, or participating as an exhibitor or speaker, should visit: www.wardsauto.com/autointeriors or call 1-800-927-5007.

About Ward's Communications

Ward's Communications is a world-leading provider of auto industry news, data and analysis, having served the industry's information needs for nearly 80 years. Ward's AutoWorld is a monthly magazine serving more than 68,000 automotive professionals globally. The twice-monthly newsletter Ward's Engine & Vehicle Technology Update provides analysis of engineering advancements and technical issues. WardsAuto.com is an online subscription service delivering virtually all the industry news, data and analysis compiled by Ward's Communications, the world's leader in automotive industry information. Part of PRIMEDIA's Business Information Division, Ward's Communications is based in Southfield, MI.

About PRIMEDIA

PRIMEDIA is the leading targeted media company in the United States. With 2004 revenue of $1.3 billion, our properties comprise more than 200 brands that connect buyers and sellers in more markets than any other media company through our print publications, Web sites, events, newsletters and video programs in four business segments: Enthusiast Media, Consumer Guides, Business Information, and Education. PRIMEDIA Enthusiast Media includes more than 120 consumer magazines, with well-known brands such as Motor Trend, Automobile, Creating Keepsakes, In-Fisherman, Power & Motoryacht, Hot Rod, Snowboarder, Stereophile and Surfer. PRIMEDIA Consumer Guides is the #1 publisher and distributor of free consumer guides, with Apartment Guide, Auto Guide and New Home Guide. PRIMEDIA Business Information has more than 60 publications in 18 market sectors. PRIMEDIA Education includes Channel One and other educational products.