MEMA New Vehicle Technology Ride and Drive

WHAT: Media invited to test drive vehicles equipped with Electronic Stability Control and other safety enhancing technologies

  WHEN:  Tuesday, July 18, 2006
         11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (lunch will be provided)

  WHERE: RFK Stadium Parking Lot, Washington, D.C.
         Parking lots #6 & 7

BACKGROUND: Electronic stability control reduces the risk of fatal multiple-vehicle accidents by one-third and the chances of all types of fatal crashes by 43%, according to a recent report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The institute estimates that equipping all vehicles with ESC -- a system that automatically adjusts brakes, steering and/or engine power to help drivers maintain control -- would eliminate one-third of multi-vehicle crashes and avoid some 10,000 fatal crashes per year.

Approximately 70% of new SUVs and 40% of new cars currently come equipped with some form of ESC as standard equipment. The systems are optional on another 15% of the new-vehicle population.

Media members are invited to experience ESC as well as other advanced technologies, such as: Blind Spot Assistance, Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Electronic Brake Monitoring, Electronic Power Steering, Idle Reduction Technology, Roll Stability Control and Smart Cruise Control.

WHO: The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) is North America's largest trade association representing automotive parts and systems manufacturers. MEMA's members supply the products and technology -- including most of the ESC systems -- used in the production of some 17 million cars and trucks in the U.S. each year.

Advanced registration is required; please register by July 9. CONTACT: Bill Noack, +1-202-589-2756, NoackBill@aol.com , for MEMA; or Ann McCulloch of MEMA, +1-202-312-9242, amcculloch@mema.org .