MEMA Ride & Drive on July 18

  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)
           Please note: Other times are available the afternoon of July 17
           and throughout the day July 18 (advance notice required)

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

Please RSVP by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 14.

PRNewswire -- July 13