Record Number of OEMS to Exhibit at SAE 2006 World Congress

FRANKFURT, Germany--Sept. 19, 2005--An unprecedented number of car manufacturers will exhibit their advanced technology and vehicles at SAE International's 2006 World Congress set April 3-7, 2006, at Cobo Center in Detroit. Confirmation that Toyota will join host company BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Ford and GM as an exhibitor was received by SAE executives at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt.

"Toyota's confirmation brings us to an early realization of a pair of strategic goals," David L. Amati, SAE International Global Automotive Business and Automotive Headquarters Director, said. "First, in the history of the SAE World Congress, there never have been more than three OEMs exhibiting at any one time; as of right now, we have five, representing North America, Europe and Asia. In the larger sense, however, the commitment this particular group of manufacturers has made underscores the value of the SAE World Congress."

Amati regards the implementation of the "OEM/Supplier Park" concept for the SAE 2006 World Congress as a critical contributor to the early successes in obtaining exhibitor and top-tier supplier commitment. "The SAE World Congress has an unwavering focus on delivering cutting-edge technology. The automotive industry traditionally counts on SAE to be the premier event in that regard, but for 2006, the participating OEMs have put their collective stamp of approval on the concept where the auto manufacturer is surrounded by key suppliers on the exhibition floor. All of the OEMs exhibiting have expressed to me their desire to see strong support from the global suppliers in this regard," he explained. "They see the added value of an environment conducive to supporting interactive business relationships."

The SAE World Congress annually brings together original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers, government officials and academic professionals from around the world to create an international forum providing value-added opportunities to exchange business and technical knowledge for advancing the passenger-car and light-truck industry. In 2005, the four-day SAE World Congress attracted 35,908 registered delegates from 47 nations globally; U.S. attendees represented 48 states.