Aisin Celebrates Grand Opening of Automotive Test Track and Proving Ground in Fowlerville, Michigan

800-acre facility is Michigan's newest automotive components test track

WHAT: Ribbon cutting/dedication celebration of Aisin's Fowlerville proving ground and automotive components test track.

  WHEN:  Wednesday, October 5, 2005, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

  WHERE:  Aisin's Fowlerville Proving Ground, 1750 Smith Road,
          Fowlerville, Michigan 48836
          517.223.0601

WHO: Aisin Seiki executives; local and national elected officials; Aisin Seiki customers; and automotive industry representatives.

SPECIAL GUEST: Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm will join other dignitaries as the ceremonial ribbon is cut to dedicate Michigan's newest automotive facility.

DETAILS: Known as FT Techno of America, LLC, an Aisin Seiki group company, this represents Aisin's first proving ground in North America and third worldwide. Aisin broke ground on the development last October and officially opens its doors for business on Oct. 10, 2005. The facility is R & D oriented (non-manufacturing) supporting test surfaces of various lengths and lane widths used to develop and evaluate a variety of Aisin products and applications, such as brake, transmissions, power train, chassis, and body systems and components. OEMs may also utilize the facility for testing.

COMMUNITY GIFTS: Aisin, which has a long history of supporting the communities in which its facilities are located, will present monetary gifts to the Fowlerville Community School's math and science curricula, and the Fowlerville Community Park. The gifts will be matched in part by Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, Inc., which will participate in the grand opening event.

  VISUALS:  Photo opportunities include:
  *  VIP ribbon cutting (Gov. Granholm, Aisin executives, etc.)

* Special appearance and demonstration by Shige Hattori, driver of the No. 9 Toyota Tundra in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

  *  Test track demonstration
  *  Vehicles on display featuring Aisin products

* Aisin's famous "Wire Car" (currently on display at the Frankfurt Germany International Motor Show) featuring more than 1,000 automotive components manufactured by Aisin companies.

PRNewswire -- Sept. 26