MICHauto Founding Sponsors to Announce Launch of Michigan's Automotive Accelerator

New organization will be first to focus on promoting and developing Michigan's

                       global automotive leadership

  Date:    Thursday, January 4, 2007

  Time:    9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

  Place:   NextEnergy Showroom
           461 Burroughs Street, Detroit
           [Between Cass Ave. and Second Ave. just north of I-94. Parking on
           site.]

  People:  MICHauto founders:
           Johann Finkelmeier, Goodyear Tire
           Steve Laughman, Deloitte & Touche USA LLP
           Tom Manganello, Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
           Stephen Polk, R.L. Polk & Co.

  Background - Why Does Michigan Need an Automotive Accelerator?

Since the birth of the automotive industry in the early 20th century, Michigan has been its undisputed global hub. For decades Michigan needed little more than its own strength and momentum to maintain that position. While the state recently has suffered in the face of recent global competition, Michigan's strengths in the sector remain impressive:

  * $38 billion in auto, truck and other transportation manufacturing occurs
    here each year.
  * 1 of every 4 domestic U.S. auto manufacturing plants is in Michigan
    (13 of 50)
  * 215 automotive technical centers are located here.
  * 58 schools of higher education teach programs in engineering, business
    and technical degrees in Michigan.

It is clear, however, that Michigan's global leadership is being challenged in the 21st century by strong national and global competitors. In the face of that challenge, it will take unprecedented communication, collaboration and creativity to maintain and grow the automotive industry in Michigan.

  MICHauto, Michigan's Automotive Accelerator, was organized to:

  * Leverage Michigan's automotive industry cluster to sustain and grow its
    position as a global leader in research, development and manufacturing
  * Serve as the "hub" of Michigan's automotive cluster, promoting
    collaboration and unlocking its power to increase Michigan's competitive
    advantages
  * Serve its members by providing unique benefits that will help grow and
    enhance their Michigan-based automotive-related businesses.

Many other trade, research and economic development organizations already have important programs that support Michigan's economy or the auto industry. But MICHauto is the first to concentrate only on Michigan's automotive industry. Our focus is only automotive and only Michigan. This unique focus has been successful in other regions, and with the launch of MICHauto, it can begin to succeed in Michigan.

MICHauto is a Michigan nonprofit trade association. Its founding sponsors are Deloitte & Touche USA LLP, Goodyear Tire, R. L. Polk & Co., and Warner Norcross & Judd LLP.

PRNewswire -- 01/02