Microsoft Automotive Business Unit Product Manager, Velle Kolde to Address Motor Press Guild

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 28, 2007 -- The Motor Press Guild (MPG), America's largest professional automotive media association, announces Velle Kolde, Automotive Business Unit product manager at Microsoft, will address members and guests at the September 4 luncheon. Kolde will discuss Microsoft's role in the automotive industry and the future of technology in the automobile.

Kolde's presentation will cover Microsoft's current and forthcoming automotive technologies. He will walk attendees through the 'Sync' program, its in-car communication and entertainment system planned to launch in Ford vehicles in the fall of 2007. The program will also cover a similar on-board, vehicle communication program called 'Blue & Me' currently available in Fiat vehicles across Europe. Lastly, Kolde will address the future of automotive technologies and potential Microsoft developments.

At Microsoft, Kolde works closely with the automotive industry to create automotive-grade software platforms to create rich in-car communication, information, navigation, and entertainment experiences. He has been with Microsoft for more than 15 years, working in various parts of the organization. A car enthusiast and racer, Kolde describes his current work in the automotive business unit as the perfect blending of his passion for everything automotive with his passion for marketing and technology.

  MPG Meeting Details:

  What:  Velle Kolde, Microsoft Automotive Business Unit to Speak at MPG
         Luncheon
  When:  Tuesday, September 4, 2007
         Social -- 11:30 a.m.
         Luncheon -- Noon

  Where:  The Proud Bird Restaurant
          11022 Aviation Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
          Phone: 310-670-3093

  Price:  Members -- $20;
          Non-Members and Guests -- $25; (cash or check; open seating/no
          reservations)

  Contact:  MPG:  Robyn Eckard, 949-268-3049, or press@motorpressguild.org

For more information about MPG news, upcoming events, and directions to the Proud Bird, please visit http://www.motorpressguild.org/news.

About Motor Press Guild

The Los Angeles-based Motor Press Guild (MPG) is a non-profit professional association dedicated to promoting education and information exchange within the motoring press. MPG has more than 800 global members, including staff and freelance journalists, photographers, broadcasters, public-relations representatives from vehicle manufacturers, industry suppliers, aftermarket companies, consumer groups, governmental bodies and other motoring-related firms and organizations.