Prominent Auto Dealer, Irma Elder, Announces Opening of New $15 Million Jaguar Land Rover Lakeside Dealership

Official Dedication Friday, June 1, 2007 at 6 P.M.

The Elder Automotive Group continues significant expansion in Michigan; Jaguar and Ford automotive executives and country officials to attend ribbon cutting

TROY, Mich., May 31 -- In an official announcement from the company's founder and chief executive officer, Irma Elder, the Elder Automotive Group, today outlined the specifics of the organization's newly built Jaguar Land Rover Lakeside automotive dealership located on Hall Road just east of Romeo Plank in Macomb, Michigan.

Since the first automobile was invented, the auto industry has claimed fame to many men and women. These people all have the unique and distinctive qualities of courage, perseverance, leadership, business acumen and ability. They also have that certain passion for the auto, the love and admiration for the design and product that drives the industry from concept to completion.

Irma Elder is one such person. From the first woman to own a Ford dealership in the metropolitan Detroit, Michigan market, Elder's holdings have now grown from one store in 1985 to the ten stores by the end of the year 2007. (Dealerships are referred to as stores.)

She is honored by the industry as one of the most successful women entrepreneurs in the country and continues to exhibit her profound knowledge and commitment to the industry and to her employees. The Elder Automotive Group includes Elder Ford, Troy, Michigan; Jaguar of Troy, Michigan; Saab of Troy, Michigan; Saab of Lakeside (opened in April, 2007); Aston Martin of Troy, Michigan; Signature Ford Lincoln-Mercury Jeep of Owosso, Michigan; Signature Ford of Perry, Michigan, Jaguar of Tampa; Aston Martin of Tampa; and Saab of Tampa (opened in January 2007), Florida. Sales within the entire Elder Automotive Group total over $480 million annually (excluding the new dealerships opened in first quarter 2007.)

Not only is Elder an industry icon, but she continues to inspire other women and to work diligently in all areas of the charitable sector. Her attention to her Hispanic roots and to the people who work for her has earned her national acclaim and recognition. Bringing the same qualities to expansion, Elder has achieved many of her goals and with the teamwork of her sons, Robert and Tony who, too, are principals in the Elder Automotive Group.

Today's announcement by Elder focuses on the Elder Automotive Group's commitment to Macomb County and to the Jaguar and Land Rover organizations. The 45,000 square foot dealership features both Jaguar and Land Rover showrooms under one roof plus a complete parts and service center. The entire complex is located on Hall Road in a unique campus-like setting that enhances the surrounding neighborhood and pays direct attention to the aesthetic value of business in a community.

Located just east of the intersection of Hall Road and Romeo Plank, the new facility encompasses over 10 acres of land and will service the surrounding Macomb County communities. The new dealership will employ over 45 persons in sales, service and maintenance, and the number is expected to grow. The Elder Automotive Group has worked with Michigan based Aristeo General Contractors, Inc. to complete the project.

Designed by AZD Architects of Michigan, the facilities focus on the state of the art and elegant feel of the complex. The dealership interior is a dramatic backdrop for the extraordinary autos that will be shown on the floor. Impressive 24' ceilings grace the showroom. Two hospitality lounges and a children's play area welcome customers. Also, visitors can learn about the history of the Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles at an interesting heritage display within the showrooms. Another compelling feature of the dealership is a Land Rover test track located on the front of the property. Sales staff will take customers on test drives to demonstrate the handling capabilities of the vehicles.

The automobiles that will be shown and sold through the dealership will be among the most beautiful in the world. Selections will be optimum; service will be unparalleled and a reflection of the Elder Automotive Group's attention to detail and consumer-oriented sales efforts.

Comfort and hospitality are the key words as they reflect the owner's personality and her dedication to the customer. Irma Elder has built her business on serving her customers who not only purchase and/or lease autos from her dealerships but who also become her friends. She is a kind, generous woman whose Hispanic background and determined perseverance are examples for all those who follow her lead. Elder is committed to the communities in which she lives and does business. She is an active member of many charitable and philanthropic organizations; business associations and manufacturing companies where she not only lends her name but she works on boards of directors and in advisory capacities. She is tireless in her work in the auto industry; she is tireless in her support of women in every walk of life; she is tireless in her support of her family and friends. Irma Elder truly is an automotive industry icon.

Jaguar Land Rover of Lakeside is located at 18979 Hall Road in Macomb, Michigan. Telephone number is 800.935.7714.

The Elder Automotive Group is located at 1815 Maplelawn, Troy, Michigan 48084. The telephone number is (248) 643-6900.

Friday's special event will feature entertainment by David Miles, a display of vintage Jaguar and Land Rover automobiles, "Danceheads," a virtual reality computerized image DVD souvenir, body painting artists plus a grand drawing for a 2007 Jaguar X-Type or a 2007 Land Rover RL3.

EDITORS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE RIBBON CUTTING SCHEDULED FOR 6 P.M. ON FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2007. JAGUAR, LAND ROVER, FORD AND MACOMB COUNTY OFFICIALS WILL BE ON HAND. IN ADDITION, IRMA ELDER IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW CONCERNING THE NEW INVESTMENT IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ELDER AUTOMOTIVE GROUP EXPANSION INTO MACOMB COUNTY. FOR ALL ARRANGEMENTS, PLEASE CONTACT ANGIE BOURNIAS AT 313.881.3021; bournias79@comcast.net.

PRNewswire -- May 31