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12th Annual Auto Interiors Show Kicks Off Tomorrow (Wednesday, May 18) at Detroit's Cobo Center

DETROIT, May 17, 2005 -- With automotive interiors playing a critical role in the automakers' efforts to sell more cars and trucks and gain market share, it's no surprise that more than 3,000 automotive executives have registered to attend the industry's most important exposition and conference dedicated to interiors -- the 12th annual Auto Interiors Show. The Show, presented by Ward's Auto World magazine, opens Wednesday, May 18 for a two-day run at Detroit's Cobo Center.

"Exterior design may get the consumers into the dealer showroom, but interior design closes the deal." This frequently made comment by many automotive designers is why virtually all of the industry's top automakers and their suppliers are involved in the Show this year either through its annual "Interior of the Year" awards program, or speaking at one of the six conference sessions or exhibiting their company's technology, materials, components and services in the exposition.

Special Event:

Winners of the 6th Annual "Interior of the Year" Awards to be Announced Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Detroit's automakers will square off with their European and Asian rivals in the 6th annual automotive Interior of the Year awards, Wednesday at 3 p.m. on the show floor.

Twelve automakers and 23 vehicles are competing for "Interior of the Year" awards. Dozens of automaker and supplier executives will be on hand to find out if their vehicles won. Winners were voted on by 81 automotive journalists ("media choice") and nearly 900 industry at-large voters ("industry choice"), excluding employees of automakers. The nominees represent four categories of vehicles: popular and premium-priced cars, and popular and premium-priced trucks. The Awards are sponsored by DuPont Automotive.

Full Conference Program

The Auto Interiors Show also provides industry executives with a full conference schedule. Featuring six new sessions this year, high-profile speakers from the world's largest automakers and cutting-edge suppliers will share their vision of the road ahead in interior design and features, electronics, safety, smart-car technology and how consumers will benefit. The schedule follows:

  WEDNESDAY, May 18

  8:30-10 a.m.
  XM Satellite Radio: Beyond audio to providing data to vehicle systems
  *  XM Radio: Roderick J. MacKenzie, Director - Advanced Applications

  10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

"Smart Interiors" - Their impact on consumers and suppliers: What are consumers looking for - and willing to pay for - in "smart interiors"? How much is too much? And what can we expect from automakers and major interior integrators in the future vehicles?

  *  JD Power: Carolyn McBeth, Director - Automotive Component Research
  *  Lear: Tom Russell, Vice President - Product Engineering
  *  Lear: Patrick Murray, Vice President - Research & Design

  1-2:30 p.m.

Automakers' Plans for Future Interiors: Special this year will be a panel featuring the top interiors executives from Chrysler, Audi and Toyota. The session will explore future design direction of automakers, how they analyze and respond to consumer tastes and preferences, what new features are being consider for future models, and how all this will impact their suppliers. This session is sponsored by the Society of Automotive Analysts and WJR Radio.

  *  Audi:  Roland Sternmann, Executive Design Director, Audi
  *  DaimlerChrysler:  John Sgalia, Director - Design, Jeep

* Toyota: Mike Sweers, General Manager, Eng. Design, Seat Systems & Occupants Restraints, Toyota Technical Center, Toyota

3-4:30 p.m.

"Interior of the Year" awards presentation and reception on the show floor, sponsored by DuPont.

  THURSDAY, May 19

  8:30-10 a.m.

iPod(TM) in the Car - Navigating the Digital Music Revolution with Apple(TM). Everyone loves the Apple iPod, but can it be used in-car? If so, how?

  *  Apple:  Bob Borchers, iPod Automobile Integration, Apple

  10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

"Hands-Free" Bluetooth(TM) Integration in Vehicle Interiors - What's next? The "smart phone" is overtaking standard cell phones, PDAs and even iPod-type devices. Some believe this one device will be all we need and can be used seamlessly while we drive our cars. How? Find out at this seminar.

  *  Parrot - Henri Seydoux, CEO, Parrot, Paris, France

  1-2:30 p.m.

Who Should Be in Charge of Interior Integration? OEM vs. Supplier - In the critical and growing area of modular assembly and interior integration, who should be in charge? Who is best equipped to move fastest, provide the best ideas, and manage the supply chain?

  *  CSM Worldwide - Paul Haelterman, Director of Market Assessment
  *  Delphi - Lon A. Offenbacher, Global Business Line Executive, Interiors

* Siemens VDO Automotive - William David Jeffries, Global Director of Marketing, Cockpit Modules Group

* Visteon - Ashir Thakore, Senior Marketing Manager, Interiors Product Line

  3-4 p.m.
  Closing Reception sponsored by Siemens VDO on the show floor

  Hours & Registration

Show hours are Wed., May 18, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Thursday, May 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, go to http://www.autointeriors.com/ .